travaille toujours
In French, "still working" is translated as travaille toujours.
The phrase is used to describe someone who is continuing to perform a task or their job.
Which one should you use?
While you can use travaille encore to mean "still working" in the sense of a continuing action, toujours is often used to emphasize that a state persists.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The informal expression Je suis toujours au boulot is common in both France and Belgium.
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, the present tense travaille is used to express the continuous "is working" or "am working" without needing a separate progressive form. Note that the verb must change to travaillent toujours when using a plural subject like "they".
Did you know?
- The informal word boulot used in the phrase toujours au boulot is actually a slang term for 'work' that originates from the word for 'ball of yarn'.
- The word toujours actually replaced the Old French word sempres, which was derived from the Latin 'semper'.
- While toujours is used in France and Belgium, speakers in Quebec may use encore more frequently to mean 'still' in the context of working.
Examples in context
- Je travaille toujours sur ça.I'm still working on that.This sentence shows how to use travaille toujours to say you are still working on a specific thing.Tatoeba #7971077 by Aiji, translation #2544665 by CK
- Tom travaille toujours.Tom is still working.This sentence uses travaille toujours to state that Tom is still working.Tatoeba #5427158 by pititnatole, translation #2273531 by CK
- Je suis toujours en train de bosser au bureau.I'm still working at the office.
- Je continue de travailler sur ce projet.I continue to work on this project.
- Je suis sur le pont toute la journée.I'm on the bridge all day – i.e., working tirelessly.
- Il travaille toujours pour la même entreprise.He is still working for the same company.
Example conversation
Nathan asks Emma about her project.
- NathanTu as fini ton dossier, Emma ?Have you finished your file, Emma?
- EmmaNon, je travaille toujours dessus.No, I am still working on it.
- NathanTu veux faire une pause ?Do you want to take a break?
- EmmaOui, j'ai besoin d'un café.Yes, I need a coffee.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries toujours, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
