estoy trabajando
/estoi tɾabaxando/from spelling rules
To say "I am working" in Spanish, use estoy trabajando.
The phrase estoy trabajando is the standard way to state that you are currently engaged in a job or a specific task.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the first-person singular of the verb estar (to be) and the gerund of trabajar (to work).
Which one should you use?
While estoy trabajando emphasizes the continuous action happening at this exact moment, the form trabajo (the simple present) is used to describe a general habit or profession.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Spanish-speaking countries, such as Spain, Estoy currando is a colloquial way to say "I am working".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the present progressive tense to indicate an action happening right now. To change the subject to "you" (informal), change estoy to estás.
Did you know?
- The word trabajar shares a root with tripalium, a three-staked instrument of torture used in ancient Rome.
- In certain regions, people may say estoy en el laburo instead of estoy trabajando to indicate they are physically at their place of work.
- In some contexts, saying estoy trabajando can be used as a polite excuse to end a phone call or a conversation abruptly without being rude.
Examples in context
- Estoy trabajando en el taller.I am working at the workshop.This sentence is useful for describing the location where you are working with estoy trabajando.Tatoeba #1661413 by marcelostockle, translation #1661207 by Amastan
- Estoy trabajando en mi nuevo libro.I am working on my new book.This sentence is useful for describing the specific project or task you are working on with estoy trabajando.Tatoeba #1069960 by Shishir, translation #269239 by CK
- Yo estoy trabajando para que tú puedas aprender Quechua.I am working so that you can learn Quechua.This sentence is useful for showing the purpose or reason behind your work using estoy trabajando.Tatoeba #1167180 by marcelostockle, translation #774955 by marloncori
- Estoy trabajando en mi oficinaI am working in my office
- Me encuentro trabajando en el proyectoI am currently working on the project
- Estoy currando en un proyecto personalI am working on a personal project
- No puedo salir ahora, estoy liado/a con el trabajoI can't go out now, I am busy with work
- Estoy trabajando ahora mismoI am working right now
- Voy a estar trabajando todo el díaI will be working all day
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena calls Javier on his cell phone.
- JavierHola Elena, ¿qué pasa?Hello Elena, what's up?
- ElenaNada, solo quería saludarte.Nothing, I just wanted to say hi.
- JavierLo siento, ahora estoy trabajando.I'm sorry, I am working right now.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, hablamos luego.Don't worry, we'll talk later.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
