French has many ways to refer to work and employment, each with its own level of formality and context. Understanding these differences will help you communicate appropriately in various professional and social situations.
Expressions by Formality Level
Formal/Professional
1. L’emploi
Pronunciation: /lɑ̃plwa/ (lahn-plwah)
- Most formal term for “job” or “employment”
- Used in official documents, job applications, government contexts
- Example: “Je cherche un emploi dans le marketing.” (I’m looking for a job in marketing.)
2. Le poste
Pronunciation: /lə pɔst/ (luh post)
- Formal, refers to a specific position
- Used in professional settings and job descriptions
- Example: “Ce poste nécessite de l’expérience.” (This position requires experience.)
3. La fonction
Pronunciation: /la fɔ̃ksjɔ̃/ (lah fonk-see-on)
- Very formal, refers to one’s role or function
- Often used for high-level positions
- Example: “Sa fonction dans l’entreprise est importante.” (His function in the company is important.)
Standard/Everyday
4. Le travail
Pronunciation: /lə tʁavaj/ (luh trah-vye)
- Standard word for “work” or “job”
- Neutral, appropriate in most contexts
- Example: “Mon travail commence à 9 heures.” (My work starts at 9 o’clock.)
5. Le métier
Pronunciation: /lə metje/ (luh may-tee-ay)
- Refers to one’s profession or trade
- Emphasizes skill or craft
- Example: “Quel est votre métier ?” (What is your profession?)
Casual/Informal
6. Le job
Pronunciation: /lə ʒɔb/ (luh zhob)
- Anglicism, casual way to say “job”
- Popular among younger people
- Example: “J’ai trouvé un petit job pour l’été.” (I found a small job for the summer.)
7. Le boulot
Pronunciation: /lə bulo/ (luh boo-loh)
- Very common informal word for “work”
- Used in everyday conversation
- Example: “Comment ça se passe au boulot ?” (How’s it going at work?)
Very Informal/Slang
8. Le TAF
Pronunciation: /lə taf/ (luh taf)
- Slang abbreviation, stands for “Travail À Faire”
- Very casual, used among friends
- Example: “J’ai fini mon TAF pour aujourd’hui.” (I’m done with my work for today.)
9. Le turf
Pronunciation: /lə tœʁf/ (luh turf)
- Very informal slang
- Can mean work territory or job (area of expertise)
- Example: “Je connais bien mon turf.” (I know my territory/work well.)
Additional Expressions
- Le gagne-pain – “Breadwinner job” (what pays the bills)
- La profession – Formal term for profession
- L’activité professionnelle – Professional activity (very formal)
- Le service – Service/duty (often for public sector)
- La carrière – Career (long-term professional path)
- L’occupation – Occupation (formal)
- La besogne – Task-oriented work (somewhat old-fashioned)
Cultural Notes
- French people often separate personal life from work life more distinctly than in some cultures
- “Métro, boulot, dodo” is a famous French expression meaning the routine of commuting, working, sleeping
- In France, discussing salary and work conditions is generally more open than in some cultures
Common Phrases
- Chercher du travail/un emploi – To look for work/a job
- Être au chômage – To be unemployed
- Avoir un CDI – To have a permanent contract
- Faire des heures sup – To work overtime
- Prendre sa retraite – To retire
Remember: “Le travail” and “le boulot” are your safest bets for most situations – formal enough to be respectful, casual enough to sound natural!
