What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb ir (to go), the preposition a (to) and the infinitive trabajar (to work).
Which one should you use?
While ir a trabajar focuses on the action of working, ir al trabajo focuses on the physical destination of the workplace.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Different regions have specific informal or colloquial ways to say 'go to work'. In Spain, ir al curro is an informal way to say 'go to work'. In Chile, ir a pega is an informal way to say 'go to work'. Ir al jale is a colloquial expression used in Latin America to mean 'go to work', while ir a laburar is an informal phrase popular in several Spanish-speaking countries that means 'go to work'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say 'I go to work' or 'I am going to work', you conjugate the verb ir to the first person singular voy followed by a trabajar. To say 'you go to work' in the informal singular, you conjugate ir to vas followed by a trabajar.
How do you pronounce it?
/iɾ a tɾabaxaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word trabajar comes from the Late Latin word tripālium, which referred to a tool used for torture.
- In some Latin American countries, the expression ir al jale uses a word derived from the English word 'haul'. It reflects the history of manual labor and hauling goods in those regions.
- The informal term laburar, used in countries like Argentina, is a loanword from the Italian lavorare.
Examples in context
- Debo ir a trabajar.I have to go to work.This sentence is useful for expressing an obligation involving ir a trabajar.Tatoeba #1214083 by marcelostockle, translation #953483 by CK
- ¿Puedo ir a trabajar?Can I go to work?This sentence is useful for asking permission involving ir a trabajar.Tatoeba #1286279 by marcelostockle, translation #268596 by CK
- Necesito ir a trabajar.I need to go to work.This sentence is useful for expressing a necessity involving ir a trabajar.Tatoeba #1428327 by marcelostockle, translation #1140166 by CK
- Todos los días, tengo que ir al trabajo temprano.Every day, I have to go to work early.
- Los empleados deben dirigirse al trabajo a tiempo.The employees must head to work on time.
- Todos los días, me desplazo hacia el trabajo en metro.Every day, I commute to work by subway.
- Mi hermano tiene que ir al curro los domingos.My brother has to go to work on Sundays.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are talking in their kitchen before leaving the house.
- JavierLucía, ¿te vas a quedar en casa?Lucía, are you staying at home?
- LucíaNo, tengo que ir a trabajar.No, I have to go to work.
- JavierEstá bien, que te vaya bien.Alright, I hope it goes well.
- LucíaGracias, Javier. ¡Adiós!Thanks, Javier. Bye!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, ir, trabajar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
