What does it mean word for word?
The word mañana means 'tomorrow' when used as an adverb, but can also mean 'morning' when used as a noun.
Which one should you use?
The default form ¿trabajas mañana? uses the informal 'tú' conjugation, which is used for friends, family or peers. Other forms are used depending on the level of formality or whether you are addressing one person or a group.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the verb trabajar may be replaced by laburar. In Spain, use the form ¿trabajáis mañana? when asking a group of people (informal 'you all') if they are working tomorrow. In Latin America, use the form ¿trabajan mañana? when asking a group of people if they are working tomorrow.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use the form ¿trabaja usted mañana? when speaking to a supervisor, a client or someone to whom you want to show formal respect.
Did you know?
- The Argentinian slang word laburar comes from the Italian word lavoro for 'work'. It is so common in the Southern Cone that it is often used in casual settings instead of trabajar.
- The word mañana is used in the common expression mañana to describe a vague future time. In some cultures, saying you will do something mañana does not mean the next day, but rather 'eventually' or 'not today'.
- The word mañana is derived from the Vulgar Latin māneāna, which literally meant 'tomorrow morning'.
Examples in context
- No, no trabajo mañana.No, I am not working tomorrow.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are talking on the phone about making plans.
- MateoElena, ¿trabajas mañana?Elena, are you working tomorrow?
- ElenaNo, mañana es mi día libre.No, tomorrow is my day off.
- MateoQué bueno, entonces podemos ir al cine.That's good, then we can go to the cinema.
- Elena¡Perfecto! Me encantaría ir contigo.Perfect! I would love to go with you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mañana, CC BY-SA 4.0.
