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Profession in Irish (Proifisiún): Meaning, Pronunciation, Usage

‘proifisiún’ also means: profession of faith

The Irish for profession is proifisiún, a masculine noun (plural proifisiúin).
Updated October 2026Report a mistake

How to say “profession” in Irish

Irish:
proifisiún
English:
profession, profession of faith
Word type:
noun
Gender:
masculine, first declension
Pronunciation:
“prof-ish-OON”  /pɾˠɔfʲɪˈʃuːnʲ/
Various forms
Plural:
proifisiúin (professions)
Genitive singular:
proifisiúin, an phroifisiúin (e.g. rialacha an phroifisiúin, the rules of the profession)
Genitive plural:
proifisiún, na bproifisiún (e.g. ionadaithe na bproifisiún, representatives of the professions)

What does “proifisiún” mean?

“Proifisiún” has two alternative meanings. The most common comes first.

profession
An occupation that needs special training or qualifications, such as law, medicine or teaching.Also: occupation, calling, career.
1 other meaning: profession of faith
2profession of faith
A public declaration, especially the taking of vows on entering a religious order.Also: religious profession, vows, declaration.

Other Irish words for profession: gairm (profession)

“Proifisiún” with the article

The plural of profession in Irish is proifisiúin. Here is proifisiún after the article (an t-alt), in the singular and the plural.

an proifisiún
the profession
No change after an
na proifisiúin
the professions
Plural: no change after na

“Proifisiún” in a sentence: Irish examples

Common Irish sentences using proifisiún, the Irish word for profession.

Is proifisiún uasal é an leigheas.
Medicine is a noble profession.
Tá an proifisiún dlí an-chrua le dul isteach ann.
The legal profession is very hard to get into.
D'fhág sí an proifisiún tar éis fiche bliain.
She left the profession after twenty years.
Tá sé ag obair sa phroifisiún dlí le blianta.
He has worked in the legal profession for years.
Tá meas mór agam ar mo phroifisiún.
I have great respect for my profession.
Bíonn mná i gceannas sa phroifisiún sin anois.
Women are in charge in that profession now.
Tá na proifisiúin sláinte faoi bhrú mór.
The health professions are under great pressure.

Other nouns in Irish

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Profession in Irish: frequently asked questions

What is the Irish for profession?

The Irish for profession is proifisiún (pronounced “prof-ish-OON”). It’s a masculine noun and the plural is proifisiúin. Depending on context it can also mean profession of faith.

How do you pronounce proifisiún in Irish?

Proifisiún is said like “prof-ish-OON” (IPA /pɾˠɔfʲɪˈʃuːnʲ/).

What is the plural of profession in Irish?

The plural of proifisiún is proifisiúin; with the article, na proifisiúin means “the professions”. The genitive plural is proifisiún, as in ionadaithe na bproifisiún (representatives of the professions).

Does proifisiún have more than one meaning?

Yes. Proifisiún can mean profession or profession of faith, depending on context; the first is the most common.

Why does proifisiún change to phroifisiún or bproifisiún?

Irish changes the start of some words after certain words. After mo (my) proifisiún becomes mo phroifisiún (lenition), and after ár (our) or i (in) it becomes ár bproifisiún (eclipsis).

What is the difference between 'proifisiún' and 'gairm'?

'Proifisiún' means a profession requiring qualifications, while 'gairm' is broader, meaning a calling, vocation or occupation, as in 'gairm bheatha' (career).

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