Métier

Métier is a French noun meaning occupation, trade, or craft. It refers to the work a person does, especially the specific craft or profession in which they have particular skill or aptitude. In everyday French, it can describe any line of work, from manual trades to professional occupations. In English usage, the term is borrowed to denote a person’s area of greatest expertise or the field they excel in, often with a connotation of vocation or natural suitability.

Etymology: Métier derives from Old French metier, from Latin ministerium meaning service, function, or office. The word retains its original sense of a defined activity or line of work.

Usage and nuance: In French, métier is a neutral term for one’s job or craft. In English, métier is typically used to highlight specialization and mastery, sometimes with a literary or formal tone. The accent is commonly dropped in English, written as metier.

Variations and related terms: Métier is related to terms such as profession, trade, craft, and vocation, but it emphasizes proficiency in a specific activity rather than status, salary, or overall career path. A person might say that teaching is not their métier, indicating that it is not their area of greatest skill or interest.

See also: French vocabulary for occupation, vocational terms, and the concept of calling or vocation.