Ways to Say "Job" in French

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.

Table of Contents

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