What does it mean word for word?
The phrase professeur d'université literally means "professor of university", composed of professeur (professor), de (of) and université (university).
Which one should you use?
The term professeur d'université specifically denotes a university setting, whereas the word professeur alone is used more broadly for teachers at various levels, such as in secondary schools. Use professeure d'université to refer specifically to a female university professor, and use enseignant universitaire or enseignante universitaire as other formal ways to refer to a university professor (masculine or feminine).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, the term Maître de conférences is often used to refer to professors.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a female university professor, use the feminine form professeure d'université. To make the phrase plural, add an s to professeur to get professeurs d'université, while université remains singular.
Did you know?
- The title professeur des universités is an official rank granted by the French government, not just a title given by a college.
- The word professeur is a learned borrowing from the Latin word 'professor', which originally meant 'one who declares openly'.
- If you address a university professor in France, you would often simply call them Monsieur le Professeur or Madame la Professeure to show formal respect.
Examples in context
- Il est docteur et professeur d'université.He is a doctor and a university professor.This sentence is useful for stating that someone holds the roles of both a doctor and a professeur d'université.Tatoeba #10513 by sacredceltic, translation #68097 by CK
- Devenir professeur d'université est son rêve.It has been her dream to be a university professor.This sentence describes a dream of becoming a professeur d'université.Tatoeba #2057062 by sacredceltic, translation #275599 by Zifre
- C'était un ancien professeur d'université et un chercheur.He was a former university professor and researcher.This sentence mentions a former professeur d'université and researcher.Tatoeba #1225145 by sacredceltic, translation #803339 by Source_VOA
- Le professeur d'université donne un cours sur la philosophie moderne.The university professor is teaching a class on modern philosophy.
- L'enseignant universitaire est spécialisé en économie.The university professor specializes in economics.
- L'enseignante adore son travail à l'université.The professor loves her job at the university.
- Les maîtres de conférences sont extrêmement compétents dans leurs domaines respectifs.The university professors are extremely competent in their respective fields.
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are talking about their father's career.
- NathanMon père est professeur d'université à Lyon.My father is a university professor in Lyon.
- ChloéC'est impressionnant ! Quelle matière enseigne-t-il ?That's impressive! What subject does he teach?
- NathanIl enseigne l'histoire du cinéma.He teaches cinema history.
- ChloéIl doit être un professeur d'université passionné.He must be a passionate university professor.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries professeur, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
