el trabajo es el trabajo
/el tɾabaxo es el tɾabaxo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'work is work' can be said in Spanish as el trabajo es el trabajo.
The phrase el trabajo es el trabajo is used to express resignation or the acceptance of the unpleasant or difficult aspects of a job, conveying that one must simply accept these duties because they are necessary.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of 'the work is the work', using the definite articles el (the) to specify the concept of work.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, an informal way to say work is work is El laburo es el laburo, which uses the slang term laburo for work.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the third-person singular form of the verb ser (es) and the singular masculine noun trabajo.
How do you pronounce it?
/el tɾabaxo es el tɾabaxo/
Did you know?
- The word trabajo is a linguistic descendant of the Latin word 'tripalius', which referred to a 'tripartite' instrument or a device used in a torture rack. This connects the modern concept of 'work' to an ancient sense of intense, grueling physical exertion.
- The word laburo used in the Argentinian version of the phrase is derived from the Italian word lavoro. This reflects the heavy Italian immigration to Argentina in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Repeating a noun twice in a sentence, as seen in el trabajo es el trabajo, is a common linguistic device in Spanish to indicate that a situation is inevitable or unchangeable.
Examples in context
- Cuando uno es responsable, siempre hay que recordar que el trabajo es trabajo.When one is responsible, one must always remember that work is work.
- Ya sabes cómo es, el curro es el curro.You know how it is, work is work.
- Sé que es difícil, pero el trabajo es el trabajo.I know it is difficult, but work is work.
- No me gusta el horario, pero el trabajo es el trabajo.I don't like the schedule, but work is work.
- Hay que cumplir las órdenes porque el trabajo es el trabajo.One must follow orders because work is work.
Example conversation
Maria and Daniel are talking about a long shift at the office.
- MaríaEstoy muy cansada de limpiar todo.I am very tired of cleaning everything.
- DanielLo sé, María, pero el trabajo es el trabajo.I know, Maria, but work is work.
- María¿Crees que terminaremos pronto?Do you think we will finish soon?
- DanielSí, solo falta un poco más.Yes, there is only a little bit more left.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, es, trabajo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
