What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb estar (to be located), the preposition en (in/at) and the noun el trabajo (the work). The literal translation is 'you are in the work'.
Which one should you use?
While ¿estás en el trabajo? is the standard informal way to ask, you can use ¿Está usted en el trabajo? or ¿Se encuentra en el trabajo? to be more formal. Additionally, ¿Estás currando? is a slang version that translates to 'Are you working?'
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, the verb estar is used here instead of ser because the phrase refers to a temporary location or state. To ask a group of people if they are at work, use the plural form ¿están en el trabajo?
When do people say it?
If someone asks you this question and you are not at work, a common way to answer in the negative is No, estoy en casa (No, I am at home).
Did you know?
- The word trabajo shares a dark history with the Latin word 'tripalium', which was a three-staked instrument used for torture.
- The slang phrase ¿Estás currando? is widely used in Spain but is virtually nonexistent in Latin America, where it would sound very out of place.
- In Mexico and Central America, instead of el trabajo, people often use the word chamba to refer to their job or the act of working.
Examples in context
- Dime, ¿estás en el trabajo?Tell me, are you at work?
Example conversation
Mateo calls María to see if she can talk.
- MateoHola María, ¿estás en el trabajo?Hello María, are you at work?
- MaríaSí, estoy en el trabajo ahora mismo.Yes, I am at work right now.
- MateoEstá bien, te llamo más tarde.Okay, I will call you later.
- MaríaGracias, hablamos luego.Thanks, we will talk later.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, en, trabajo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
