Buenos días! Are you looking to expand your Spanish vocabulary? Learning how to say “trabajar” (to work) is an essential element if you want to communicate effectively with native Spanish speakers. Whether you’re traveling to a Spanish-speaking country or simply want to improve your language skills, this guide will teach you various ways to express “trabajar” in Spanish.
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Formal Ways to Say “Trabajar” in Spanish
When it comes to formal conversations or professional settings, it is important to use the appropriate and respectful vocabulary. Here are a few formal equivalents for “trabajar” that you can employ:
1. Laborar
“Laborar” is a widely accepted formal synonym for “trabajar” in Spanish. It is typically used in more official contexts such as business meetings, formal documents, or academic settings.
En esta empresa, es fundamental laborar en equipo para alcanzar nuestros objetivos.
Translation: In this company, it is essential to work as a team to achieve our goals.
2. Trabajar duro
If you want to emphasize hard work, you can use the phrase “trabajar duro,” which means “to work hard” in Spanish.
Para alcanzar el éxito, es necesario trabajar duro y perseverar.
Translation: To achieve success, it is necessary to work hard and persevere.
3. Ejercer una profesión
When talking about working in a specific profession, you can use the phrase “ejercer una profesión.”
Estudié medicina y ahora ejerzo la profesión de médico en un hospital.
Translation: I studied medicine, and now I practice medicine in a hospital.
Informal Ways to Say “Trabajar” in Spanish
Informal language is commonly used among friends, peers, and in casual conversations. Here are some informal alternatives to express “trabajar” in Spanish:
1. Chambear
“Chambear” is a slang term extensively used in Latin America to mean “to work” or “to have a job.”
Después de la universidad, empecé a chambear en una agencia de publicidad.
Translation: After university, I started working in an advertising agency.
2. Laburar
In certain regions, such as Argentina and Uruguay, people use “laburar” as a casual equivalent to “trabajar”.
Hoy no puedo salir, tengo que laburar toda la tarde.
Translation: I can’t go out today; I have to work all afternoon.
3. Echarle ganas
To express the idea of putting effort into something, you can use the phrase “echarle ganas” in a more informal setting.
Si le echas ganas, lograrás el éxito que buscas en tu carrera.
Translation: If you put effort into it, you will achieve the success you seek in your career.
Regional Variations
Spanish is spoken across various regions, and sometimes different countries use unique terms or phrases. Here are a few regional variations of “trabajar” you may come across:
1. Currar (Spain)
In Spain, especially in colloquial Spanish, “currar” is a commonly used informal term that shares the same meaning as “trabajar”.
2. Jalar (Mexico)
In Mexico, the verb “jalar” is often used informally to mean “to work”. However, keep in mind that it may carry a slang connotation in other Spanish-speaking countries, so use it only in Mexican contexts.
Conclusion
¡Felicidades! You have now learned different ways to say “trabajar” in Spanish. Remember to adapt your vocabulary depending on the formality of the situation or the country you are in. Formal equivalents like “laborar” or “ejercer una profesión” are perfect for professional settings, while casual equivalents such as “chambear”, “laburar”, or “echarle ganas” are suitable for informal conversations with friends and peers.
Keep practicing and expanding your vocabulary, and soon you’ll be confidently conversing about work in Spanish. ¡Buena suerte!
