Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| trabajo | /tɾaˈbaxo/ | masculine |
| curro | /ˈkuro/ | colloquial, masculine |
| laburo | /laˈbuɾo/ | masculine |
| chamba | /ˈt͡ʃamba/ /ˈʃamba/ (Chile, alternative) |
feminine |
| cheje | /t͡ʃexe/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| trabajal | /tɾabaxal/ (from spelling rules) | Central America, masculine |
The word refers to labour, employment, occupation or a job. For example, you can use the related verb trabajar to mean "to work," or laburar and chambear to express the action of doing a specific task.
Which one should you use?
While trabajo is a masculine noun, the informal synonym chamba is feminine and requires feminine articles like la or una.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Curro, laburo and chamba are colloquial ways to refer to work.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Curro is a common colloquial term used primarily in Spain. Laburo is used extensively in Argentina, Uruguay and parts of the Southern Cone. Chamba is used in Mexico and several Central American countries. In Central America, the masculine form trabajal is also used. Cheje is another masculine form available.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun trabajo is masculine and requires masculine articles like el or un.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾaˈbaxo/
Did you know?
- The word trabajo and its related verb trabajar have roots that trace back to ancient terms for things involving the number 'three'.
Examples in context
- Trabajo en un bar.I work at a bar.This sentence shows how to use trabajo to state where you work.Tatoeba #13491659 by Shishir, translation #2549539 by CK
- Ya no trabajo ahí.I don't work there anymore.This sentence uses trabajo to express that you no longer work at a certain place.Tatoeba #13867882 by Seael, translation #3422497 by Hybrid
- Tom ama su trabajo.Tom loves his work.This sentence uses trabajo to describe someone's job.Tatoeba #1198298 by marcelostockle, translation #1164435 by CK
- Tengo mucho trabajo.I have a lot of work.
- Estoy ocupado con el trabajo.I'm busy with work.
- El trabajo en equipo es fundamental.Teamwork is essential.
- La labor de investigación es ardua.Research work is arduous.
- Él se dedica a labores de enseñanza.He is dedicated to teaching work.
- Tengo mucha chamba esta semana.I have a lot of work this week.
- ¿Cómo te fue en el curro hoy?How was work today?
- Debo entregar el informe de trabajo mañana.I must submit the work report tomorrow.
- Me espera mucha chamba en el proyecto que estamos desarrollando.I have a lot of work ahead in the project we are developing.
- Agradezco la oportunidad de colaborar en este laboratorio.I appreciate the opportunity to work in this lab.
- Hoy me voy temprano del curro, ¡vamos a celebrar mi cumpleaños!I'm leaving work early today, let's celebrate my birthday!
- 1126 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are talking at a cafe.
- Lucía¿Cómo va tu trabajo, Daniel?How is your job going, Daniel?
- DanielMuy bien, Lucía, tengo mucho trabajo.Very well, Lucía, I have a lot of work.
- LucíaMe alegro de que te guste tu trabajo.I'm glad that you like your job.
- DanielSí, es un trabajo excelente.Yes, it is an excellent job.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “work” translations and entries trabajo, curro, laburo, chamba, cheje, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chamba, curro, laburo, trabajo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
