What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the imperative verb haz (do), the possessive adjective tu (your) and the noun trabajo (job/work).
Which one should you use?
Haz tu trabajo is the informal command, whereas haga su trabajo is the formal version used to show respect or distance.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, you can use the phrase hacé bien tu laburo to convey the same idea. In this context, laburo is an informal term used in Argentina to refer to work or a job.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form haz tu trabajo uses the informal tú imperative. To address someone formally using usted, use the formal imperative haga su trabajo. If you are commanding a group of people, use the plural form hagan su trabajo. Another informal way to express the idea of fulfilling responsibilities is Cumple con tus responsabilidades.
How do you pronounce it?
/aθ tu tɾabaxo/
Did you know?
- The word haz in haz tu trabajo is a homograph of another haz, which refers to a bundle of sticks. This second meaning comes from the Latin fascis, which is the root of the English word 'fasces'.
- In Argentina, the informal word laburo is used instead of trabajo. This term comes from the Italian word lavoro, reflecting the heavy Italian immigration to the region.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, telling someone to haga su trabajo using the formal usted form can actually create a sense of coldness or professional distance rather than just showing respect.
Examples in context
- Haz tu trabajo y Dios hará el suyo.Do your job and God will do His.This sentence uses haz tu trabajo to illustrate a proverbial way of telling someone to focus on their own duties.Tatoeba #1742418 by Shishir, translation #9819294 by DJ_Saidez
- Solo haz tu trabajo y no hables tanto.Just do your job and don't talk so much.
- Si quieres el bono, haz tu trabajo con cuidado.If you want the bonus, do your job carefully.
Example conversation
Daniel is complaining about the workload to his colleague María.
- DanielNo quiero hacer todo esto hoy.I don't want to do all of this today.
- MaríaDaniel, deja de quejarte y haz tu trabajo.Daniel, stop complaining and do your job.
- DanielEstá bien, lo haré ahora mismo.Fine, I will do it right now.
- MaríaGracias, así terminaremos más rápido.Thanks, that way we will finish faster.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries haz, trabajo, tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
