What is Work Vocabulary in French?
Work and employment vocabulary in French encompasses the language of jobs, careers, and professional life — from job titles to workplace communications. Mastering these terms helps you discuss careers and understand employment-related French conversations.
Work vocabulary includes words like métier (job), travail (work), emploi (employment), salaire (salary), and patron (boss) — essential terms for discussing professional life in French.
- •médecin (doctor)
- •ingénieur (engineer)
- •infirmière (nurse)
- •avocat (lawyer)
- •travail (work)
- •emploi (job)
- •salaire (salary)
- •bureau (office)
Step-by-step worked examples
I work as an engineer at a technology company.
Je = I travailler = work comme = as ingénieur = engineer dans = at une entreprise technologique = a tech company Full: Je travaille comme ingénieur dans une entreprise technologique.
My boss is strict but fair with employees.
Mon patron = My boss sévère = strict mais = but juste = fair avec = with les employés = employees Full: Mon patron est sévère mais juste avec les employés.
The nurse works night shifts in the hospital.
L'infirmière = The nurse travaille = works de nuit = night shifts à l'hôpital = in the hospital Full: L'infirmière travaille de nuit à l'hôpital.
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.What does 'travail' mean?
Q2.Which word means 'salary'?
Q3.Complete: Je suis ___ dans un hôpital.
Q4.What is a 'patron'?
The full card deck, worked steps and AI-tutor support for “What is Work Vocabulary in French?” are in Notek — study by hand before your exam.
Common mistakes
Confusing 'métier' with 'travail'. — Correct: Métier = a profession or skilled job; travail = work or the activity of working.
Using 'salaire' and 'saloon' interchangeably. — Correct: Salaire (salary) is pay for work; saloon is an English pub.
Saying 'un emploi' is a tool. — Correct: Emploi means job or employment; outil means tool.
Forgetting 'patron' can mean boss or pattern. — Correct: In work context, patron = boss; pattern = motif in French.
FAQ
What is work vocabulary in French?
Words related to jobs, careers, and employment — like métier, travail, emploi, salaire, and patron.
How do you say 'job' in French?
There are two main words: emploi (a specific position) or métier (a profession/skilled job).
What's the difference between 'travail' and 'emploi'?
Travail is the act of working; emploi is a job position.
How do you say 'boss' in French?
Patron (masculine) or patronne (feminine) — means boss or employer.