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How To Say "Work" In Spanish

If you are interested in learning Spanish, you might be wondering how to say "work" in Spanish. The word "work" has different translations in Spanish depending on the context and region, so it is important to know the nuances. In this article, we will explore the meaning of "work" in Spanish, the different translations of the word, and regional differences.

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What is "Work" in Spanish?

The most common translation for "work" in Spanish is "trabajo" (IPA: /tɾaˈβaxo/). This word is used in most Spanish-speaking countries and it is the one you will hear most often. However, there are other translations of "work" in Spanish, which we will explore next.

Meaning of "Work" in Spanish

Here are some other translations of "work" in Spanish, along with the context in which they are used:

  • Labor (IPA: /laˈβor/): This word is similar in meaning to "work" and it is commonly used in Spain. It can also refer to physical labor or manual work.

  • Empleo (IPA: /emˈpleo/): This word refers specifically to employment or a job. It is often used when talking about finding work or applying for a job.

  • Ocupación (IPA: /okupaˈθjon/): This word refers to an occupation or profession. It is often used when talking about someone's career or line of work.

  • Quehacer (IPA: /keˈaseɾ/): This word can refer to chores or tasks, but it is also used to mean work in a general sense.

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Translating “Work” to Spanish

If you are looking to translate "work" from English to Spanish, the most common translation is "trabajo". Here are a few other translations you can use:

  • Labor: Trabajo manual (IPA: /tɾaˈβaxo maˈnwal/)
  • Employment: Empleo
  • Occupation: Ocupación
  • Task: Tarea (IPA: /taˈɾea/)

Regional Differences

As we mentioned earlier, the word for "work" can vary depending on the region. Here are a few examples of regional differences:

  • In Spain, "trabajo" and "labor" are commonly used to mean "work".
  • In Mexico, "trabajo" is the most commonly used word for "work", but "empleo" is also used.
  • In Argentina, "trabajo" and "ocupación" are commonly used to mean "work".

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How to Say "Work" in Sunday: Sample Sentences

Here are five sample sentences you can use to say "work" in Spanish:

  • Tengo que trabajar los sábados.

(I have to work on Saturdays.) 

  • Estoy buscando trabajo.

(I'm looking for work.) 

  • Mi ocupación es la de profesor/a.

(I'm a teacher.) 

  • Limpiar la casa es un quehacer.

(Cleaning the house is a chore.) 

  • Él encontró empleo en un restaurante.

(He found employment in a restaurant.) 

Conclusion

Learning how to say "work" in Spanish is essential for anyone who wants to communicate effectively in Spanish-speaking environments. "Trabajo" is the correct translation for "work" in Spanish and is widely used throughout the Spanish-speaking world, although there may be regional differences in terms of pronunciation or word choice. By using the examples provided in this article, you can easily start incorporating this term into your Spanish vocabulary.


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