Which one should you use?
While com'è andato il lavoro? asks about a specific completed workday, the phrase Com'è il lavoro? asks about the general state or quality of one's job. Additionally, Come è andato il lavoro oggi? specifically translates to 'How did work go today?'
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form com'è andato il lavoro? is suitable for friends, family or colleagues in a casual setting. An informal way to ask is Come è andata al lavoro?
How does it change in a sentence?
You can use the feminine form andata if you replace il lavoro with la giornata (the day), as seen in com'è andata la giornata lavorativa? or Come è andata la tua giornata lavorativa?
When do people say it?
A common and natural way to respond to this question is Tutto bene, grazie, which means 'Everything fine, thanks.'
Did you know?
- The common response Tutto bene is often used as a social lubricant, even if the workday was actually difficult.
- While the phrase is common, Italians may avoid asking about work immediately upon arrival if they sense a colleague is stressed, preferring a general Ciao first.
- The word lavoro is a deverbative of the verb lavorare, which likely evolved from the Latin word 'labor'.
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are meeting at a cafe in the evening.
- MartinaCiao Francesco, com'è andato il lavoro?Hi Francesco, how was work?
- FrancescoÈ andata bene, grazie.It went well, thanks.
- MartinaSono felice di sentirlo.I am happy to hear that.
- FrancescoE a te come è andata la giornata?And how was your day?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries il, lavoro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
