Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| métier | /me.tje/ | masculine |
| occupation | /ɔ.ky.pa.sjɔ̃/ | feminine |
| profession | /pʁɔ.fɛ.sjɔ̃/ /pʁɔ.fe.sjɔ̃/ |
feminine |
If you are referring to a person's job or trade, use métier or profession. However, if you are referring to an activity or distraction used to occupy one's time, use occupation.
Which one should you use?
While the English word 'occupation' can mean both a job and a way to pass time, the French words are distinct. métier and profession refer to one's employment or trade. In contrast, occupation is used for a way to pass time or a distraction.
How does it change in a sentence?
You typically use the verb 'être' followed directly by the profession, such as Je suis avocat(e) or Je suis médecin. Alternatively, you can say Je travaille en tant que journaliste or J'exerce la profession d'ingénieur. To indicate your industry, you can use the phrase Je suis dans le secteur de…, for example, Je suis dans le secteur de l'informatique.
How do you pronounce it?
/me.tje/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using occupation to mean a 'job' in French, as this is a common error for English speakers. To refer to your employment, use métier, profession or emploi instead.
Did you know?
- The word métier is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'mystery'. In late Latin, the word for a service or trade evolved into a term for a specialized craft known only to a few initiates.
- In French, you do not use an article when stating your profession with être. Saying Je suis médecin instead of Je suis un médecin treats the occupation as a characteristic rather than a countable object.
- French distinguishes between métier and profession based on training. Profession usually implies a level of higher education or a liberal art, while métier is more associated with learned craftsmanship.
Examples in context
- Sa profession est d'enseigner.Her occupation is teaching.This sentence is useful for describing someone's profession using profession.Tatoeba #136360 by Aiji, translation #309430 by CK
- L'occupation de la Cisjordanie est illégale.The occupation of the West Bank is illegal.This sentence uses occupation to refer to a military or political occupation.Tatoeba #12103299 by Amastan, translation #10894966 by Amastan
- Le Sahara occidental se bat contre l'occupation marocaine.Western Sahara is fighting Moroccan occupation.Tatoeba #10962994 by Amastan, translation #10894908 by Amastan
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are talking at a cafe about their careers.
- NathanQuel est ton métier, Emma ?What is your job, Emma?
- EmmaJe suis infirmière, et toi ?I am a nurse, and you?
- NathanMon métier est assez difficile.My job is quite difficult.
- EmmaC'est vrai, Nathan.That's true, Nathan.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “occupation” translations and entries métier, occupation, profession, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries métier, occupation, profession, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
