lavoro
/laˈvo.ro/masculine
The English word 'job' can be translated into Italian as lavoro. Wiktionary also lists mestiere.
Meaning: economic role for which a person is paid (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| lavoro | /laˈvo.ro/ | masculine |
| mestiere | /mesˈtjɛ.re/ | masculine |
The word lavoro is the most common and versatile way to say 'job' or 'work' in almost any context. Other related terms include occupazione (occupation), impiego (employment) and professione (profession). If you are talking about a career, you would use carriera and promozione refers to a promotion. When discussing a job interview, use colloquio di lavoro and stipendio refers to a salary.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of lavoro is lavori. The plural form of mestiere is mestieri.
How do you pronounce it?
The word lavoro is pronounced /laˈvo.ro/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word mestiere shares an etymological root with the English word 'minister', as both stem from the Latin 'minister' meaning 'servant'.
- In a professional context, colloquio literally translates to 'conversation'. A job interview is not a formal examination but a 'conversation of work'.
- Italian distinguishes between professione, which requires a degree or certification, and mestiere, which is often based on practical experience. Using the wrong one can accidentally misrepresent someone's educational background.
Examples in context
- È il mio lavoro.It's my job.This sentence is useful for stating that something is your job using lavoro.Tatoeba #883304 by Guybrush88, translation #433521 by CK
- Non è un lavoro.That's not a job.This sentence is useful for stating that something is not a job using lavoro.Tatoeba #3497038 by Guybrush88, translation #5158700 by CK
- È il suo lavoro.It's her job.This sentence is useful for stating that something is her job using lavoro.Tatoeba #7038318 by dnnywld, translation #8980278 by CH
- Sto cercando un nuovo lavoro.I am looking for a new job.
- Il mio lavoro consiste nel programmare software.My job involves programming software.
- Cosa fai per lavoro?What do you do for a job?
- Il mio mestiere è quello di insegnare.My job is to teach.
- Ho trovato un bel lavoretto come cameriere.I found a nice job as a waiter.
- Sono felice del mio lavoro attuale.I am happy with my current job.
- Mi piace lavorare in team.I enjoy working in a team.
- 1917 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are talking at a cafe about their careers.
- GiuliaCome va il tuo nuovo lavoro?How is your new job going?
- AlessandroMolto bene, grazie Giulia.Very well, thank you Giulia.
- GiuliaSono felice per te, Alessandro.I am happy for you, Alessandro.
- AlessandroÈ un lavoro perfetto per me.It is a perfect job for me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “job” translations and entries lavoro, mestiere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries lavoro, mestiere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
