¿estás trabajando?
The English phrase "are you working?" is translated into Spanish as ¿estás trabajando?
This phrase is used to ask if someone is currently performing a task or at their job.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb estar (to be) in the second person singular and the gerund trabajando (working).
Which one should you use?
While ¿estás trabajando? asks if someone is working right at this moment, the alternative ¿trabajas? is more commonly used to ask if someone has a job in general.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing someone with the formal usted, use ¿está trabajando? instead of ¿estás trabajando? If you are asking a group of people if they are working, use the plural form ¿están trabajando?
When do people say it?
A standard affirmative response to this question is Sí, estoy trabajando, while a standard negative response is No, no estoy trabajando.
Did you know?
- The verb trabajar shares a root with the Latin word 'tripalium', which was a three-staked instrument used for torture.
- While trabajo refers to work, Spanish has a specific word curro in Spain used as slang for a job, making ¿estás currando? a common informal way to ask the same question.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the answer to ¿estás trabajando? might be estoy en ello, which literally means 'I am in it' but functions as 'I am on it'.
Example conversation
Javier calls María on her mobile phone during the afternoon.
- JavierHola María, ¿estás trabajando?Hello María, are you working?
- MaríaSí, estoy en una reunión ahora.Yes, I am in a meeting now.
- JavierEntiendo, te llamo más tarde.I understand, I will call you later.
- MaríaGracias, hablamos luego.Thanks, we'll talk later.
