travailler dur
To work hard in French is travailler dur.
The phrase travailler dur is used to describe putting a great deal of effort and energy into one's work. You can also use travailler beaucoup as an alternative way to express working hard or working a lot.
Which one should you use?
While dur can mean 'hard' when referring to a hard surface, in this specific verbal construction it functions to describe the intensity of the effort.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain areas in France, the phrase travailler comme un acharné is used, which translates to 'working like a maniac'.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase travailler dur, the word dur functions as an adverb meaning 'hard' or 'intensely'.
Did you know?
- The verb travailler has a surprisingly dark history, as it originally meant 'to torture' or 'to torment'. It stems from a Latin word describing a torture instrument with three stakes.
- To describe someone who works exceptionally hard, French uses the term un bourreau de travail, which literally means 'a work executioner'.
- If you want to say you are working incredibly hard, you can use the expression travailler d'arrache-pied, which evokes the image of pulling oneself forward by the very heels.
Examples in context
- Je vais travailler dur.I'm going to work hard.This sentence is useful for expressing an intention to work hard using travailler dur.Tatoeba #5857611 by Aiji, translation #4918943 by CK
- Tu devrais travailler dur.You should work hard.This sentence is useful for giving advice to work hard using travailler dur.Tatoeba #602926 by sysko, translation #15863 by CK
- Je vais devoir travailler dur.I'll have to work hard.This sentence is useful for expressing a future necessity to work hard using travailler dur.Tatoeba #5557301 by Komorebi, translation #4976798 by CK
- 28 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are talking about a new project at their office.
- LéaIl faut travailler dur pour réussir ce projet.We must work hard to succeed in this project.
- NathanTu as raison, Léa, c'est un grand défi.You are right, Léa, it is a big challenge.
- LéaJe vais travailler dur dès demain.I am going to work hard starting tomorrow.
- NathanMoi aussi, je vais me donner à fond.Me too, I am going to give it my all.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dur, travailler, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
