French word

métier

Pronunciation

IPA/metje/

Meaning

  • masculine nounjob

Example

Quel est ton métier ?

What is your job?

Illustration for métier (job)

More examples

Il espère trouver un métier qui lui plaît.

He hopes to find a job he likes.

Core concept

A person's established working role, seen as the work that supports a livelihood and gives a professional identity.

Common phrases

  • trouver un métier

    find a job

  • se former à un métier

    train for a trade

  • le métier de

    the profession of ___

Similar words

travail: The activity of working or performing tasks.
emploi: A particular position held with an employer.
profession: A specialized occupation requiring relevant skills or qualifications.
carrière: A person's long-term progression through working life.

Definition in French

Désigne l'activité principale par laquelle une personne gagne sa vie ou se définit professionnellement.

Word origin

French métier comes through Old French mestier from Latin ministerium, 'service' or 'office', whose sense developed from a duty or necessary task to a profession or trade.

Usage tips

  • Métier is masculine, so standard forms include un métier, ce métier, and quel métier, not une métier.

Other meanings

  • tradenoun
  • specialtynoun

Word lists with this word