turno de trabajo
/tuɾno de tɾabaxo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "work shift" is translated into Spanish as turno de trabajo.
This phrase refers to the scheduled period of time during which an employee works.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of turno (shift/turn) and de trabajo (of work).
Which one should you use?
While turno de trabajo is the full phrase, in many contexts, especially in casual conversation among workers, it is shortened to just turno. Additionally, jornada laboral is a more formal way to express the concept of a work shift.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, turno de trabajo is frequently used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, you pluralize the noun turno to turnos, resulting in turnos de trabajo.
How do you pronounce it?
/tuɾno de tɾabaxo/
Did you know?
- The word trabajo shares an ancient, indirect link to the word 'triple' via the Latin 'tripalis', which originally referred to a tool used for heavy labor or a three-fold burden.
- In many Spanish-speaking workplaces, if you are 'de turno', it doesn't just mean you have a shift, but that you are the person currently 'on call' or responsible for duties.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, if someone says they are en el turno, they might be referring specifically to a night shift, even if they do not explicitly use the word for 'night'.
Examples in context
- Mi jornada laboral comienza a las 9 a.m. y termina a las 5 p.m.My work shift starts at 9 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m.
- Mi turno de trabajo empieza a las 7 p.m. y termina a la medianoche.My work shift starts at 7 p.m. and ends at midnight.
- Mañana tengo un turno de trabajo de ocho horas.Tomorrow I have an eight-hour work shift.
- Mi turno de trabajo termina a las cinco.My work shift ends at five.
- Él tiene un turno de trabajo muy largo hoy.He has a very long work shift today.
- ¿A qué hora empieza tu turno de trabajo?What time does your work shift start?
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are talking at a café about their schedules.
- JavierLucía, ¿cuándo termina tu turno de trabajo?Lucía, when does your work shift end?
- LucíaTermino mi turno de trabajo a las ocho.I finish my work shift at eight.
- JavierEs un turno de trabajo muy pesado.It is a very heavy work shift.
- LucíaSí, pero ya casi termino.Yes, but I am almost finished.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, trabajo, turno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
