What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb conseguir (to get/obtain) and the noun trabajo (work/job).
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between the act of successfully obtaining employment and the process of searching for it. Use conseguir trabajo for the act of getting a job, but use buscar trabajo to say 'to look for a job'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you may hear the informal expression Conseguir chamba. In Argentina, the informal phrase Encontrar laburo is commonly used.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can use the common conseguir trabajo or use the more specific conseguir un empleo when referring to obtaining a formal position. To announce that you have successfully found employment in the past tense, you can say conseguí un trabajo (I got a job).
How do you pronounce it?
/konseɡiɾ tɾabaxo/
Did you know?
- In many Latin American cultures, discussing the process of conseguir trabajo involves a heavy reliance on palancas, which literally means 'levers'. This refers to using social connections or 'pull' to secure a position.
- While conseguir trabajo is the standard phrase, the Argentine slang laburo is derived from the Italian word lavoro. This reflects the massive wave of Italian immigration to Argentina in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to use the verb quedar to describe getting a job. Saying Me quedé con el puesto implies you were the chosen one among several candidates, similar to 'landing' a job.
Examples in context
- Quiero conseguir trabajo en un banco.I want to get a job in a bank.
- Es difícil conseguir trabajo ahora mismo.It is difficult to get a job right now.
- Ella finalmente pudo conseguir trabajo.She was finally able to get a job.
Example conversation
Mateo and María are talking at a cafe about their careers.
- Mateo¿Has podido conseguir trabajo todavía?Have you been able to get a job yet?
- MaríaNo, todavía estoy buscando.No, I am still looking.
- MateoNo te preocupes, ya vas a conseguir trabajo.Don't worry, you will get a job soon.
- MaríaGracias, Mateo, espero que sea cierto.Thanks, Mateo, I hope that is true.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
