Thinking about your dream job? Or maybe you just want to know what your neighbor really does when they say, “I work in finance.” Understanding job and occupation vocabulary is essential for talking about careers, asking what people do, and maybe even figuring out what you want to do someday. This lesson covers a wide range of jobs and occupations, with examples and a few laughs to make learning enjoyable. After all, knowing the difference between a “chef” and a “chief” might just save you some funny misunderstandings!
Vocabulary List
| Vocabulary Word | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor | A person who treats sick people and prescribes medicine. | The doctor told me to rest for three days. |
| Nurse | A person who assists doctors and cares for patients. | The nurse gave me a bandage for my cut. |
| Teacher | A person who educates students at school. | The teacher made learning history fun! |
| Engineer | A person who designs and builds structures, machines, or systems. | My brother is an engineer who builds bridges. |
| Lawyer | A person who practices or studies law. | She hired a lawyer to help with her case. |
| Chef | A professional cook, usually in a restaurant. | The chef prepared a delicious meal for us. |
| Police Officer | A person who enforces the law and keeps order. | The police officer helped find my lost wallet. |
| Firefighter | A person who extinguishes fires and rescues people. | The firefighter saved the family from the fire. |
| Dentist | A doctor who takes care of teeth. | The dentist said I need to floss more often. |
| Pharmacist | A person who prepares and sells medicine. | The pharmacist explained how to take the medicine. |
| Pilot | A person who flies airplanes. | The pilot announced our arrival in New York. |
| Flight Attendant | A person who assists passengers on an airplane. | The flight attendant served us drinks on the plane. |
| Accountant | A person who manages financial records. | The accountant helped me with my taxes. |
| Journalist | A person who writes or reports the news. | The journalist interviewed the celebrity. |
| Scientist | A person who studies or researches scientific topics. | The scientist discovered a new species. |
| Artist | A person who creates art, such as paintings or sculptures. | The artist displayed her work in a gallery. |
| Musician | A person who plays or creates music. | The musician played a beautiful song on the piano. |
| Actor | A person who performs in movies, theater, or TV shows. | The actor won an award for his role in the film. |
| Writer | A person who writes books, articles, or stories. | The writer published a bestselling novel. |
Expanded Vocabulary
| Vocabulary Word | Definition | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Architect | A person who designs buildings. | The architect showed us the blueprints for the new house. |
| Electrician | A person who installs and repairs electrical systems. | We called an electrician to fix the lights. |
| Plumber | A person who fixes water pipes and systems. | The plumber fixed the leaking faucet. |
| Mechanic | A person who repairs cars or machines. | I took my car to the mechanic for an oil change. |
| Construction Worker | A person who builds structures and buildings. | Construction workers are working on the new mall. |
| Software Developer | A person who creates computer software and applications. | My friend is a software developer at a tech company. |
| Librarian | A person who manages a library and assists with finding books. | The librarian recommended a good mystery novel. |
| Veterinarian | A doctor who treats animals. | The veterinarian helped our cat feel better. |
| Receptionist | A person who greets visitors and answers phones in an office. | The receptionist scheduled my appointment. |
| Photographer | A person who takes photos professionally. | The photographer took beautiful wedding pictures. |
| Farmer | A person who grows crops or raises animals for food. | The farmer grows vegetables and raises chickens. |
| Taxi Driver | A person who drives a taxi. | The taxi driver took us to the airport. |
| Security Guard | A person who protects property or people. | The security guard made sure the building was safe. |
| Cashier | A person who handles payments in a store. | The cashier gave me my change after I paid. |
| Bank Teller | A person who assists with transactions at a bank. | The bank teller helped me open an account. |
| Fashion Designer | A person who creates clothing and accessories. | The fashion designer launched a new clothing line. |
| Real Estate Agent | A person who helps buy and sell property. | The real estate agent showed us several houses. |
| Judge | A person who presides over court cases. | The judge listened to both sides before deciding. |
| Chef | A person who prepares food in a restaurant. | The chef’s special dish was delicious. |
Key Phrases
- What do you do for a living?
- Example: “What do you do for a living?”
- Example: “I work as an accountant.”
- I work as a… (job title)
- Example: “I work as a teacher at a high school.”
- Example: “I’m a software developer at a tech company.”
- I’m interested in becoming a… (job title)
- Example: “I’m interested in becoming a lawyer.”
- Example: “I want to be a doctor someday.”
- My job involves… (activity)
- Example: “My job involves helping customers find the right products.”
- Example: “As a teacher, my job involves planning lessons and grading assignments.”
- Do you enjoy your job?
- Example: “Do you enjoy your job as a journalist?”
- Example: “Yes, I love being a musician!”
Example Paragraph
“I recently met my cousin who is a doctor, and I was amazed by all the medical knowledge he had. He works with a team of nurses, pharmacists, and even a few veterinarians who specialize in treating animals. My other cousin, a software developer, jokes that he would pass out at the sight of blood and prefers the world of coding! My aunt, a chef, cooked us a delicious dinner that night, and I realized just how many different kinds of jobs people have—some cook, some code, and some cure. It’s quite a variety!”
Common Questions
- What’s your occupation?
- Example: I’m a teacher.
- Do you like being a doctor?
- Example: Yes, I find it very rewarding.
- What does a software developer do?
- Example: They write code for apps and programs.
- How long have you been a nurse?
- Example: I’ve been a nurse for five years.
- Is it hard to be an architect?
- Example: It can be challenging, but I enjoy it.
Invitation to Practice:
What job would you like to have, or what job do you think you’d be good at? Use some of the vocabulary words to describe it! Share your answer with a study group or in the comments to practice using job-related vocabulary.