Spanish - Work and Jobs

¿A qué te dedicas?

What do you do for work?

Meaning: What do you do for work?

When to use: Use this to ask someone about their job in casual conversation. For a formal question use: “¿A qué se dedica?”.

Tip: Don't confuse this with very general '¿Qué haces?' — that can mean 'what are you doing (right now)?'.

Trabajo como ___.

I work as a ___.

Meaning: I work as a ___.

When to use: Use this to say your job or role. Add the job title after 'como'.

Tip: Beginners sometimes add an unnecessary article: prefer 'Trabajo como médico' over 'Trabajo como un médico' in many contexts.

Trabajo en ___.

I work at ___.

Meaning: I work at ___.

When to use: Use this to say the company, organization, or place where you work.

Tip: Don't mix 'en' with 'para' — 'Trabajo en' says location/organization; 'Trabajo para' emphasizes employer relationship.

Trabajo en el área de ___.

I work in ___.

Meaning: I work in ___.

When to use: Use this to say your field, department, or area of expertise (e.g., marketing, salud, ventas).

Estoy buscando trabajo.

I'm looking for a job.

Meaning: I'm looking for a job.

When to use: Say this when you want to tell someone you are seeking employment or open to opportunities.

Empiezo a trabajar a las ___.

I start work at ___.

Meaning: I start work at ___.

When to use: Use with clock times: 'Empiezo a trabajar a las ocho', 'a las nueve', etc.

Tip: Say 'a las ocho' (not 'en las ocho').

Termino de trabajar a las ___.

I finish work at ___.

Meaning: I finish work at ___.

When to use: Use with clock times to say when your workday ends.

Tip: Remember to use 'a las' with the time: 'Termino de trabajar a las cinco.'

Descanso el ___.

I have a day off on ___.

Meaning: I have a day off on ___.

When to use: Say which day you have off. For repeated days use 'los lunes', for a single day say 'el domingo'.

Tip: For repeated days include 'los' (e.g., 'los lunes').

¿Me puedes ayudar con esta tarea?

Can you help me with this task?

Meaning: Can you help me with this task?

When to use: Use this to politely ask a colleague or friend for assistance. For formal situations say '¿Me puede ayudar con esta tarea?'.

Estoy en mi descanso.

I'm on break.

Meaning: I'm on break.

When to use: Say this when you're taking a short break at work.

Trabajo de tiempo completo.

I work full-time.

Meaning: I work full-time.

When to use: Use this to describe your schedule when you work full hours.

Trabajo medio tiempo.

I work part-time.

Meaning: I work part-time.

When to use: Use this to say you work fewer hours than full-time. 'Trabajo a tiempo parcial' is a more formal alternative.

¿A qué hora es la junta?

What time is the meeting?

Meaning: What time is the meeting?

When to use: Use this to ask about the time of a work meeting; in Mexico 'junta' is common for 'meeting'.