What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the first-person singular past tense of conseguir (to obtain/get) and trabajo (work/job).
Which one should you use?
Using conseguí trabajo (without an article) often implies the general state of having found employment, whereas conseguí un trabajo emphasizes the specific job itself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, you may hear the informal phrase ¡Me dieron chamba! (They gave me a job!). In Spain, the informal phrase ¡Me han dado trabajo! (I have been given work!) is common. In Argentina, the slang Conseguí laburo is used to say "I got a job". Additionally, in Mexico, the slang term jale refers to work or a job opportunity.
How does it change in a sentence?
While conseguí trabajo is common, adding the indefinite article un (a) makes the phrase more direct in its translation of 'a job'. Furthermore, the word empleo can be used as a more formal synonym for trabajo when announcing one's new position, such as in the phrase conseguí un empleo.
How do you pronounce it?
/konseɡi tɾabaxo/
Did you know?
- The word trabajo is derived from the Latin tripālium, which originally referred to a three-pronged instrument used for impaling or a heavy tool used for punishment.
- The Argentine slang word laburo is derived from the Italian word lavoro, reflecting the massive Italian immigration to the region.
- In Mexico, chamba is a popular slang term for work that is believed to have originated from the English word 'chamber'.
Examples in context
- He conseguido un empleo como ingeniero.I have obtained a job as an engineer.
- ¡Conseguí un curro en ese nuevo café que abrieron!I got myself a job in that new cafe they opened!
- ¡Me dieron chamba en la tienda de ropa de la esquina!They gave me a job in the clothing store on the corner!
- ¡Me han dado trabajo en una start-up de desarrollo de aplicaciones!I have been given work in an app development start-up!
- ¡Por fin conseguí trabajo!I finally got a job!
- No te lo vas a creer, conseguí trabajo.You're not going to believe it, I got a job.
- Mañana empiezo porque conseguí trabajo en el banco.I start tomorrow because I got a job at the bank.
Example conversation
Elena calls Mateo to share her good news.
- Elena¡Mateo, tengo una noticia increíble, conseguí trabajo!Mateo, I have incredible news, I got a job!
- Mateo¡Qué bueno, Elena! Muchas felicidades.That's great, Elena! Many congratulations.
- ElenaGracias, estoy muy contenta con la noticia.Thank you, I am very happy with the news.
- MateoTe lo mereces, celebra mucho hoy.You deserve it, celebrate a lot today.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries trabajo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
