Introduction
In French, just like in English, occupations and professions are essential for communication, whether you're discussing your career, asking about someone else's job, or simply expanding your vocabulary.
Common Occupations
| French | English |
|---|---|
| Médecin | Doctor |
| Professeur | Teacher |
| Ingénieur | Engineer |
| Avocat | Lawyer |
| Architecte | Architect |
| Infirmier / Infirmière | Nurse |
| Dentiste | Dentist |
| Journaliste | Journalist |
| Policier / Policière | Police Officer |
| Pompier | Firefighter |
| Comptable | Accountant |
| Plombier | Plumber |
| Électricien | Electrician |
| Mécanicien | Mechanic |
| Musicien / Musicienne | Musician |
| Acteur / Actrice | Actor / Actress |
| Chanteur / Chanteuse | Singer |
| Cuisinier / Cuisinière | Chef / Cook |
| Vendeur / Vendeuse | Salesperson |
| Agriculteur / Agricultrice | Farmer |
| Photographe | Photographer |
| Pilote | Pilot |
| Secrétaire | Secretary |
| Réceptionniste | Receptionist |
| Développeur / Développeuse | Developer |
Gender and Profession
In French, many professions have gender-specific forms. Words ending in "-eur" often change to "-euse" for the feminine form, though there are many exceptions and irregularities. Some professions remain the same regardless of gender, while others may have distinct endings.
Examples in Sentences
- Mon père est médecin.
My father is a doctor.
- Elle est ingénieure.
She is an engineer.
- Je suis professeur de français.
I am a French teacher.
- Mon oncle est avocat.
My uncle is a lawyer.
- Ma sœur est infirmière.
My sister is a nurse.
Conclusion
Understanding the names of professions in French not only helps in daily communication but also provides insight into the cultural and linguistic nuances of the language. Whether you're discussing careers or simply introducing yourself, this vocabulary is invaluable.