métiers
The English phrase "professions" is translated into French as métiers.
The term métiers is used broadly to refer to various trades, crafts or occupations. In French, professions are not capitalized unless they are used as a title before someone's name.
Which one should you use?
While the French word professions exists as a cognate, it is typically reserved for high-status or specialized fields like law or medicine. In contrast, métiers is much broader and is more commonly used to refer to various trades, crafts or occupations in a general sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of métiers is métier.
Did you know?
- In French, the word métier can be used to describe the loom used in weaving, linking the concept of a professional trade to the physical tool of the craft.
- While 'profession' in English is broad, the French profession is historically tied to the act of 'professing' or declaring a faith or vow, similar to a monk taking vows.
- In French, you might hear the expression avoir du métier, which does not mean having a job, but rather having 'expertise' or 'skill' through years of practice.
Examples in context
- Quels métiers aimez-vous ?Which professions do you like?Tatoeba #10776452 by carlosalberto, translation #10776422 by carlosalberto
- Je suis médecin.I am a doctor.
- Elle est avocate.She is a lawyer.
- Il est ingénieur.He is an engineer.
- Monsieur le professeur, que pensez-vous de cette théorie?Professor, what do you think of this theory?
- Madame la directrice, pouvez-vous m'accorder quelques minutes?Madam Director, can you spare a few minutes?
- Je suis prof.I am a teacher.
- Instituteur/institutricePrimary school teacher.
- Boulanger/boulangèreBaker.
- Policier/policièrePolice officer.
- Il y a beaucoup de métiers différents ici.There are many different professions here.
- Elle cherche des métiers passionnants.She is looking for exciting professions.
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are discussing their future careers.
- NathanQuels métiers t'intéressent, Emma ?Which professions interest you, Emma?
- EmmaJ'aime les métiers de la santé.I like healthcare professions.
- NathanMoi, je préfère les métiers d'art.Me, I prefer artistic professions.
- EmmaC'est un très bon choix, Nathan.That is a very good choice, Nathan.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
