What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the reflexive verb se mettre (to put oneself) and au travail (to the work).
Which one should you use?
While se mettre au travail is a standard way to express starting a task, you can also use au boulot in casual settings to mean "to the job" or "to work", such as in the phrase se mettre au boulot.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are different levels of formality for this expression. Se rendre au travail is a formal way to say "go to work". In informal contexts, you can use Allez, au boulot! to mean "come on, get to work!" or Mettons-nous au travail! to mean "let's get to work!" among friends or in relaxed environments. Additionally, using boulot instead of travail is an informal choice.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In France, the variant Aller au boulot is commonly used to mean "go to work".
How does it change in a sentence?
Because this phrase uses a reflexive verb, the reflexive pronoun must change to match the subject. For example: je me mets au travail, tu te mets au travail and il se met au travail.
Did you know?
- The word travail has a dark history, originating from the Latin word for a 'torture device' made of three stakes. Originally, the term referred to intense physical suffering or pain rather than a productive task.
- The word travail is related to the concept of 'travail' in English, which refers to difficult, painful labor or even the pangs of childbirth, reflecting its original meaning of suffering.
- The phrase Allez, au boulot! functions as a command that omits the verb entirely, relying on the preposition and noun to convey the order.
Examples in context
- On doit se mettre au travail.We have to get to work.This sentence is useful for expressing that we have a necessity to start working.Tatoeba #13927599 by zogwarg, translation #3818474 by CK
- Il est temps de se mettre au travail.It is time to get to work.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Léa are students meeting at the library.
- GabrielOn a beaucoup de choses à faire, Léa.We have a lot of things to do, Léa.
- LéaOui, on devrait se mettre au travail.Yes, we should get to work.
- GabrielD'accord, je sors mes livres.Okay, I am taking out my books.
- LéaMoi aussi, on commence tout de suite.Me too, let's start right away.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mettre, se, travail, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
