Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| chambero | /t͡ʃambeɾo/ (from spelling rules) |
| chambeador | /t͡ʃambeadoɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| laburador | /labuɾadoɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| empeñoso | /empeˈɲoso/ |
These terms describe someone who takes their work seriously and performs it well and rapidly. While many of these forms relate to the act of working, some emphasize the persistence and dedication applied to a task.
Which one should you use?
The terms chambeador and laburador focus specifically on the act of working. In contrast, empeñoso emphasizes the persistence and dedication an individual applies to a task.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal contexts, you may use Trabajador/a incansable to describe someone who is tirelessly dedicated to their work or Dedicado/a to describe someone who is committed to their work. Chambeador is an informal and colloquial term. Currante is a slang term used in informal contexts. An informal way to express the idea is the phrase Trabajador/a como una abeja, which translates to 'hardworking as a bee'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and parts of Central America, chambeador is common and is derived from the slang chamba for work. In Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay, the term laburador is used because it is derived from the slang laburo for work. In Argentina, the word laburante is also used to refer to someone who works hard. In Spain, the word currante is used to describe someone hardworking.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective empeñoso must agree in gender and number with the person being described, such as empeñosa for a woman or empeñosos for a group.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃambeɾo/
Did you know?
- The term chamba used in chambeador is thought by some linguists to be a corruption of the English word 'chamber', referring to the rooms where domestic servants worked.
- The Argentine terms laburador and laburo are derived from the Italian word lavoro, reflecting the massive wave of Italian immigration to the Río de la Plata region.
- In some contexts, laburante in Argentina can carry a political or social connotation, referring specifically to the working class rather than just a diligent person.
Examples in context
- Nuestro gerente es un trabajador incansable. Siempre busca formas de mejorar la eficiencia de nuestro equipo.Our manager is a tireless worker. They always look for ways to improve our team's efficiency.
- La señora Martínez es una empleada dedicada, responsable y trabajadora. Siempre cumple con sus obligaciones con gran dedicación.Mrs. Martinez is a dedicated, responsible, and hardworking employee. She always fulfills her duties with great dedication.
- Elena es una currante. Está siempre ocupada, pero nunca se queja y siempre logra hacer su trabajo bien.Elena is a hard worker. She is always busy, but she never complains and always manages to do her job well.
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are discussing a new coworker.
- SofíaEl nuevo empleado es muy chambero.The new employee is very hardworking.
- AlejandroSí, termina todo el trabajo rápido.Yes, he finishes all the work quickly.
- SofíaMe alegra que sea tan chambero.I am glad that he is so hardworking.
- AlejandroNos ayudará a terminar el proyecto.He will help us finish the project.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “hardworking” translations and entries empeñoso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
