What does it mean word for word?
Literally, the phrase translates to 'it enchants me my work'. This is because the verb encantar functions similarly to the verb gustar, where the thing being loved (the work) acts as the subject of the sentence.
Which one should you use?
You can also say Me encanta mi empleo for a more formal tone. If you want to express extreme excitement or fascination, you might use Me fascina mi chamba in certain regions or the informal Estoy súper contento/a con mi trabajo to say you are super happy with your job.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the word chamba is used instead of trabajo in informal speech, such as in Me chifla mi chamba or Me fascina mi chamba. Similarly, in Spain, curro is a colloquial term for trabajo, which appears in the phrase Me flipa mi curro. In Peru and Bolivia, Me fascina mi chamba is a way to express fascination and love for your job.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb must agree with the thing you love. If the object of your affection is plural, the verb changes from encanta to encantan, as in me encantan mis trabajos.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying yo amo mi trabajo. While grammatically possible, English speakers often over-use the verb amar for professional satisfaction. It is much more natural to use encantar when expressing that you love a thing or an activity.
Did you know?
- The word chamba, used in Mexico and Peru, is believed by some linguists to originate from the English word 'chamber'. This likely refers to the chambers of the old railway companies where laborers were hired.
- The word trabajo is derived from the verb trabajar, which traces its roots back to the concept of difficult labor or even torture in certain historical linguistic contexts.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, talking about loving one's job is often balanced with the concept of vocación. To have a vocación suggests the job is a calling rather than just a source of income.
Examples in context
- Me encanta mi trabajo.I love my job.Tatoeba #1200387 by cueyayotl, translation #1199438 by CK
- Me encanta mi trabajo, allí paso gran parte del día.I love my job. I spend most of my day there.Tatoeba #2691507 by Shishir, translation #9819387 by DJ_Saidez
- Amo profundamente mi trabajoI deeply love my job
- Me encanta absolutamente mi empleoI absolutely love my job
- Estoy súper contento/a y enamorado/a de mi trabajoI'm super happy and in love with my job
- Disfruto enormemente de mi trabajoI immensely enjoy my job
- Mi trabajo me llena de alegríaMy job fills me with joy
- Me encanta mi trabajo porque ayudo a la gente.I love my job because I help people.
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are talking during a coffee break.
- MateoEstoy muy feliz hoy, me encanta mi trabajo.I am very happy today, I love my job.
- ElenaYo también estoy contenta con lo que hago.I am also happy with what I do.
- MateoEs genial que ambos disfrutemos nuestro empleo.It's great that we both enjoy our employment.
- ElenaTienes razón, Mateo, es muy importante.You are right, Mateo, it is very important.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries me, mi, trabajo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
