At the A1 level, you only need to know 'lavorativo' in one main context: 'giorno lavorativo' (working day). You will see this on signs for shops or parking. For example, if a parking sign says 'giorni lavorativi 8-20', it means you have to pay to park during work hours on work days. At this stage, just remember that 'lavorativo' comes from 'lavoro' (work). You don't need to worry about complex grammar, just recognize it as a word that means something is related to the time people spend at their jobs. It helps you understand when things are open or closed in Italy.
At the A2 level, you start to use 'lavorativo' to describe your own routine. You can say 'il mio orario lavorativo' (my work schedule) to tell people when you are busy. You should also be able to change the ending to match the noun: 'un giorno lavorativo' (masculine) but 'una settimana lavorativa' (feminine). You might see this word when booking appointments or looking at office hours. It's a useful word for basic social interactions where you need to explain that you are busy because of your job. You are beginning to move beyond just recognizing the word to actually using it in simple sentences about your daily life.
At the B1 level, 'lavorativo' becomes essential for discussing your background. You will use the phrase 'esperienza lavorativa' (work experience) when talking about your past jobs or your CV. You understand that it's more formal than just saying 'ho lavorato' (I worked). You also start to encounter it in more varied contexts, like 'ambiente lavorativo' (work environment). You can describe if your workplace is nice or stressful. At this level, you should be comfortable using the plural forms 'giorni lavorativi' and 'esperienze lavorative' and understand that this adjective is used for things and concepts, not for describing people's personalities.
At the B2 level, you use 'lavorativo' with precision in professional and semi-formal contexts. You understand the nuances between 'lavorativo', 'professionale', and 'occupazionale'. You can discuss complex topics like 'inserimento lavorativo' (job placement) or 'etica lavorativa' (work ethic). You are familiar with its use in legal and contractual language, such as 'cinque giorni lavorativi' for a response time. You can also use it to set boundaries between your 'vita lavorativa' and 'vita privata'. Your use of the word is natural, and you rarely make mistakes with gender or number agreement, even in complex sentences.
At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the stylistic implications of 'lavorativo'. You use it to sound professional in emails and reports. You might use it in more abstract ways, such as discussing 'dinamiche lavorative' (work dynamics) or 'prospettive lavorative' (career prospects). You understand when 'lavorativo' is the better choice than the prepositional 'di lavoro' to achieve a certain level of formality. You can follow fast-paced discussions about the 'mercato lavorativo' (labor market) on the news or in academic settings and can use the word accurately in debates about labor rights and economic trends.
At the C2 level, 'lavorativo' is a tool for nuanced expression. You can use it in highly specialized fields like labor law ('diritto lavorativo') or organizational psychology. You understand its historical and cultural weight in Italian society, particularly in discussions about the 'mondo lavorativo' in different regions of Italy. You can use it in creative writing or high-level journalism to describe subtle shifts in societal behavior. Your command of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker, and you can even play with its usage in ironical or highly formal contexts to convey specific shades of meaning.

lavorativo en 30 segundos

  • Lavorativo is an adjective meaning 'relating to work'. It is essential for discussing schedules, professional experience, and the general workplace environment in Italian.
  • It must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies: lavorativo, lavorativa, lavorativi, or lavorative. It usually follows the noun.
  • Commonly used in phrases like 'giorno lavorativo' (business day) and 'esperienza lavorativa' (work experience). It is more formal than 'di lavoro'.
  • Never use it to describe a person's character; use 'laborioso' instead. It is strictly for concepts, time, and objects related to the professional world.

The Italian adjective lavorativo is a cornerstone of professional and daily vocabulary in Italy. At its core, it translates to 'working' or 'relating to work' and is derived from the noun lavoro (work) combined with the suffix -ativo, which denotes a quality or tendency. Understanding this word is essential because it distinguishes between the personal sphere and the professional sphere. It is most commonly encountered in phrases describing time, such as giorno lavorativo (working day) or orario lavorativo (working hours). In Italy, where the distinction between 'festa' (holiday/celebration) and 'lavoro' is culturally significant, using this word correctly helps navigate everything from bank opening hours to contract negotiations.

Temporal Context
It is used to define periods dedicated to professional activity. For instance, a 'settimana lavorativa' usually refers to Monday through Friday.

Il lunedì è il primo giorno lavorativo della settimana per la maggior parte degli italiani.

Beyond time, lavorativo describes environments and relationships. An ambiente lavorativo refers to the workplace atmosphere, whether it is toxic, productive, or collaborative. It is a more formal and precise term than simply saying 'al lavoro' (at work). When discussing one's career history, the term esperienza lavorativa is the standard way to refer to professional experience on a CV. It implies a level of formality and structured employment that the simple word 'lavoro' might lack.

Social Context
It is used to separate one's private life from their professional life. Italians often speak of 'impegni lavorativi' (work commitments) to explain why they cannot attend a social event.

Dobbiamo mantenere un rapporto puramente lavorativo per evitare conflitti di interesse.

In summary, lavorativo is an adjective that adds a layer of professionalism and specificity. Whether you are reading a contract, applying for a job, or simply talking about your week, this word allows you to categorize activities as belonging to the realm of employment. It is versatile, appearing in bureaucratic, legal, social, and personal conversations across all regions of Italy.

Using lavorativo correctly requires an understanding of gender and number agreement, as it is a standard four-ending adjective. It changes from lavorativo (masculine singular) to lavorativa (feminine singular), lavorativi (masculine plural), and lavorative (feminine plural). It almost always follows the noun it modifies, which is the standard position for descriptive adjectives in Italian that provide specific classification.

Agreement Rules
Un giorno lavorativo (M.S.), Una settimana lavorativa (F.S.), Due giorni lavorativi (M.P.), Diverse esperienze lavorative (F.P.).

La sua carriera lavorativa è iniziata a Milano vent'anni fa.

One of the most frequent uses is in the construction entro [number] giorni lavorativi (within [number] working days). This is ubiquitous in e-commerce, banking, and government communications. For example, 'La consegna avverrà entro tre giorni lavorativi' means the delivery will happen within three business days, excluding weekends and holidays. This precision is vital for setting expectations in a professional context.

In more abstract senses, lavorativo describes the quality of a context. You might hear someone say, 'C'è un ottimo clima lavorativo in questo ufficio' (There is a great working atmosphere in this office). Here, the adjective describes the 'clima' (atmosphere/climate). It can also be used to describe tools or equipment, such as strumenti lavorativi, though strumenti di lavoro is perhaps more common in casual speech.

I miei impegni lavorativi mi impediscono di viaggiare spesso.

When talking about the economy, you will find lavorativo in terms like mercato lavorativo (labor market) or inserimento lavorativo (job placement). In these cases, it functions as a technical term. It's important to notice that while 'lavorativo' is very common, it is rarely used to describe a person (you wouldn't call a hard-working person 'lavorativo', you would call them 'lavoratore' or 'laborioso'). It is strictly for things, times, and concepts related to the act or field of working.

You will encounter lavorativo in several distinct environments in Italy. The first and most common is in the realm of customer service and logistics. When you order a package from an Italian website like Amazon.it or a local boutique, the shipping information will almost certainly use the phrase giorni lavorativi. This is the standard way to communicate delivery timelines and service level agreements. If a bank says a wire transfer takes 'due giorni lavorativi', and you send it on a Friday, you know not to expect it until Tuesday or Wednesday.

In the Office
Managers use it to discuss 'obiettivi lavorativi' (work goals) or 'performance lavorativa'. It sounds professional and objective.

Il contratto prevede un orario lavorativo di quaranta ore settimanali.

The second major environment is the news and political discourse. Italian news programs (like TG1 or TG5) frequently discuss the mercato lavorativo or riforme lavorative. When the government proposes new labor laws, journalists will analyze the impact on the 'settore lavorativo' (labor sector). Here, the word takes on a macro-economic tone. It is also used in statistics, such as 'tasso lavorativo' (though 'tasso di occupazione' is more common for employment rate, 'lavorativo' is used in related qualitative descriptions).

Thirdly, you will hear it in social excuses. Because Italians value 'la bella vita' and family time, work is often viewed as a valid but separate obligation. Saying 'ho avuto un problema lavorativo' (I had a work-related problem) is a respectful and unquestioned way to decline an invitation or explain a late arrival. It frames the issue as a professional necessity rather than a personal choice. Finally, in the legal system and HR departments, lavorativo is the default adjective for everything from 'incidenti lavorativi' (workplace accidents) to 'controversie lavorative' (labor disputes).

The most frequent mistake English speakers make with lavorativo is using it to describe a person. In English, we might say 'he is a very working person' (though we usually say 'hard-working'). In Italian, you cannot say 'Lui è un uomo lavorativo'. This is grammatically incorrect and sounds very strange. To describe a hard-working person, you must use lavoratore (noun) or laborioso (adjective). Lavorativo is strictly for objects, concepts, or time periods.

Mistake #1: Person vs. Object
Incorrect: Un ragazzo lavorativo. Correct: Un ragazzo laborioso / Un gran lavoratore.

Non diciamo che un uomo è lavorativo, diciamo che è un gran lavoratore.

Another common error involves the confusion between 'di lavoro' and 'lavorativo'. While they are often interchangeable, 'di lavoro' is a prepositional phrase, while 'lavorativo' is a formal adjective. You can say 'vestiti di lavoro' (work clothes), but 'vestiti lavorativi' sounds overly technical and slightly robotic. Conversely, in a legal contract, 'giorni di lavoro' might be used, but 'giorni lavorativi' is the standard technical term. Using the wrong one doesn't always break the sentence, but it can make your register feel 'off'.

Gender and number agreement is the third hurdle. Because lavoro is masculine, students often forget to change lavorativo to lavorativa when modifying feminine nouns like settimana or esperienza. 'Una settimana lavorativo' is a classic error. Always check the gender of the noun being modified. Finally, avoid using it to mean 'functional' or 'operational'. If a machine is working, it is funzionante, not lavorativa. Lavorativa means 'related to the profession of working', not 'in a state of operation'.

To enrich your Italian, it is helpful to know when to use lavorativo and when to opt for a synonym or a related term. The most common alternative is the phrase di lavoro. While lavorativo is an adjective, di lavoro is a prepositional phrase that serves the same purpose but often feels more natural in casual conversation. For example, 'il mio ambiente di lavoro' is just as common as 'il mio ambiente lavorativo', but perhaps slightly less formal.

Lavorativo vs. Professionale
'Professionale' refers to the quality or the specific profession, whereas 'lavorativo' refers to the act or context of work in general.

Il suo successo professionale deriva dalla sua lunga carriera lavorativa.

Another important distinction is with occupazionale. This is a highly technical, sociological, or economic term. You will hear it in phrases like 'terapia occupazionale' (occupational therapy) or 'livelli occupazionali' (employment levels). It is rarely used in daily conversation and is much more specific than the broad lavorativo. If you are talking about your daily routine, stick to lavorativo.

Finally, consider laborioso. As mentioned in the 'Common Mistakes' section, this describes a person who works hard. It is an adjective of character. If you want to say a project was difficult and required a lot of effort, you can also call the project laborioso. In contrast, a 'progetto lavorativo' simply means a project related to your job, regardless of how hard it is. Knowing these distinctions allows you to choose the exact shade of meaning required for your context.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The root 'labor' in Latin originally implied hardship and pain, which is why 'travaglio' (labor/ordeal) in Italian also relates to work but with a sense of suffering.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /la.vo.ra.ˈti.vo/
US /lɑː.vɔː.rɑː.ˈtiː.voʊ/
The stress falls on the 'ti' (la-vo-ra-TI-vo).
Rima con
attivo sportivo creativo motivo formativo passivo cattivo festivo
Errores comunes
  • Stressing the 'va' instead of 'ti'.
  • Pronouncing the 'v' like a 'b' (common for some Spanish speakers).
  • Making the 'r' too soft or Americanized.
  • Forgetting to pronounce the final 'o' clearly.
  • Merging the 'a' and 't' sounds.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize if you know 'lavoro'.

Escritura 3/5

Requires correct gender/number agreement.

Expresión oral 3/5

Pronunciation is straightforward but requires correct stress.

Escucha 2/5

Commonly heard in many contexts.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

lavoro giorno settimana fare ufficio

Aprende después

professionale occupazione assunzione licenziamento stipendio

Avanzado

precariato ammortizzatori sociali meritocrazia sindacato

Gramática que debes saber

Adjective Agreement

Un giorno lavorativo vs. Una settimana lavorativa.

Adjective Position

Usually follows the noun: 'Ambiente lavorativo'.

Prepositional Phrases as Adjectives

Using 'di lavoro' instead: 'Vestiti di lavoro'.

Pluralization of -o adjectives

lavorativo -> lavorativi.

Suffix -ativo

Creates adjectives like 'creativo', 'attivo', 'lavorativo'.

Ejemplos por nivel

1

Lunedì è un giorno lavorativo.

Monday is a working day.

Masculine singular agreement with 'giorno'.

2

Il negozio è aperto nei giorni lavorativi.

The shop is open on working days.

Masculine plural agreement.

3

Oggi non è un giorno lavorativo.

Today is not a working day.

Negation with 'non'.

4

Il mio orario lavorativo finisce alle cinque.

My working hours end at five.

Possessive 'mio' with 'orario lavorativo'.

5

Sabato è un giorno lavorativo per te?

Is Saturday a working day for you?

Interrogative sentence.

6

Domenica non è un giorno lavorativo.

Sunday is not a working day.

Standard usage for weekends.

7

Lavoro cinque giorni lavorativi a settimana.

I work five working days a week.

Plural agreement.

8

Il parcheggio è gratis nei giorni non lavorativi.

Parking is free on non-working days.

Adjective phrase 'non lavorativi'.

1

La mia settimana lavorativa è molto piena.

My working week is very full.

Feminine singular agreement with 'settimana'.

2

Riceverai una risposta in tre giorni lavorativi.

You will receive an answer in three working days.

Future tense 'riceverai'.

3

Qual è il tuo orario lavorativo?

What are your working hours?

Interrogative pronoun 'Qual'.

4

Ho molti impegni lavorativi questa settimana.

I have many work commitments this week.

Masculine plural impegni.

5

Il mio ambiente lavorativo è tranquillo.

My work environment is quiet.

Adjective 'tranquillo' modifying 'ambiente'.

6

Non ho tempo lavorativo per questo progetto.

I don't have work time for this project.

Using 'lavorativo' to specify the type of time.

7

Cerco un nuovo sbocco lavorativo.

I am looking for a new job opportunity.

Noun 'sbocco' meaning outlet or opportunity.

8

Le ore lavorative sono otto al giorno.

The working hours are eight per day.

Feminine plural agreement with 'ore'.

1

Ho dieci anni di esperienza lavorativa.

I have ten years of work experience.

Feminine singular agreement with 'esperienza'.

2

Dobbiamo migliorare il clima lavorativo.

We need to improve the work climate.

Verb 'migliorare' (to improve).

3

Il mio percorso lavorativo è stato difficile.

My career path has been difficult.

Past participle 'stato'.

4

Cerco un contratto lavorativo stabile.

I am looking for a stable work contract.

Adjective 'stabile' modifying 'contratto'.

5

Quali sono le tue competenze lavorative?

What are your work skills?

Feminine plural agreement.

6

Ho avuto un piccolo incidente lavorativo.

I had a small workplace accident.

Masculine singular agreement.

7

Il venerdì è l'ultimo giorno lavorativo.

Friday is the last working day.

Ordinal adjective 'ultimo'.

8

Il settore lavorativo sta cambiando velocemente.

The labor sector is changing quickly.

Present continuous 'sta cambiando'.

1

L'inserimento lavorativo dei giovani è una priorità.

The job placement of young people is a priority.

Compound noun phrase 'inserimento lavorativo'.

2

Bisogna separare la vita privata da quella lavorativa.

It is necessary to separate private life from work life.

Pronoun 'quella' replacing 'vita'.

3

Le prospettive lavorative in questo campo sono ottime.

The job prospects in this field are excellent.

Feminine plural agreement.

4

Il mercato lavorativo attuale richiede flessibilità.

The current labor market requires flexibility.

Adjective 'attuale' (current).

5

Abbiamo un rapporto puramente lavorativo.

We have a purely professional relationship.

Adverb 'puramente'.

6

La legislazione lavorativa è molto complessa.

Labor legislation is very complex.

Feminine singular agreement.

7

Il burnout è un problema dell'ambito lavorativo moderno.

Burnout is a problem of the modern work environment.

Noun 'ambito' (field/sphere).

8

Ogni progetto lavorativo richiede una pianificazione.

Every work project requires planning.

Indefinite adjective 'Ogni'.

1

La precarietà lavorativa affligge molti neo-laureati.

Job precariousness affects many new graduates.

Feminine singular 'precarietà'.

2

L'etica lavorativa è alla base del nostro successo.

Work ethic is at the base of our success.

Abstract noun phrase.

3

Il benessere lavorativo è fondamentale per la produttività.

Workplace well-being is fundamental for productivity.

Masculine singular 'benessere'.

4

Le dinamiche lavorative sono influenzate dalla tecnologia.

Work dynamics are influenced by technology.

Passive voice 'sono influenzate'.

5

Si discute spesso della riforma del sistema lavorativo.

The reform of the labor system is often discussed.

Impersonal 'si'.

6

Il divario lavorativo tra nord e sud rimane ampio.

The work gap between north and south remains wide.

Noun 'divario' (gap).

7

Le controversie lavorative vengono risolte in tribunale.

Labor disputes are resolved in court.

Feminine plural agreement.

8

La flessibilità lavorativa può essere un'arma a doppio taglio.

Work flexibility can be a double-edged sword.

Idiomatic expression 'arma a doppio taglio'.

1

L'alienazione lavorativa è un tema centrale della sociologia.

Work alienation is a central theme of sociology.

Sophisticated academic context.

2

La resilienza lavorativa si costruisce attraverso le sfide.

Work resilience is built through challenges.

Reflexive 'si costruisce'.

3

Il paradigma lavorativo sta subendo una mutazione radicale.

The working paradigm is undergoing a radical mutation.

Noun 'paradigma' (paradigm).

4

L'interconnessione lavorativa globale è ormai inevitabile.

Global work interconnection is now inevitable.

Feminine singular agreement.

5

Analizziamo l'impatto lavorativo dell'intelligenza artificiale.

Let's analyze the work impact of artificial intelligence.

First person plural imperative/indicative.

6

La meritocrazia lavorativa è spesso un ideale irraggiungibile.

Work meritocracy is often an unreachable ideal.

Feminine singular agreement.

7

Le tutele lavorative sono state erose negli ultimi decenni.

Labor protections have been eroded in recent decades.

Passive voice past tense.

8

Svisceriamo le criticità del panorama lavorativo odierno.

Let's examine the critical issues of today's working landscape.

Verb 'sviscerare' (to examine in depth).

Sinónimos

professionale di lavoro occupazionale feriale impiegatizio aziendale produttivo operativo

Antónimos

festivo privato ludico ozioso

Colocaciones comunes

giorno lavorativo
esperienza lavorativa
ambiente lavorativo
mercato lavorativo
orario lavorativo
ambito lavorativo
contratto lavorativo
impegno lavorativo
settore lavorativo
clima lavorativo

Frases Comunes

giorni lavorativi

— Business days, usually Monday to Friday.

Il pacco arriva in 5 giorni lavorativi.

settimana lavorativa

— The working week.

La mia settimana lavorativa è stressante.

contesto lavorativo

— The context or setting of work.

In un contesto lavorativo bisogna essere seri.

prospettive lavorative

— Job or career prospects.

Non ci sono buone prospettive lavorative qui.

rapporto lavorativo

— Professional relationship.

Abbiamo un ottimo rapporto lavorativo.

sbocco lavorativo

— Career opportunity or path.

Questa laurea offre molti sbocchi lavorativi.

attività lavorativa

— Work activity or professional practice.

Ha sospeso la sua attività lavorativa.

inserimento lavorativo

— Job placement or integration.

Programmi di inserimento lavorativo per i giovani.

etica lavorativa

— Work ethic.

Ha una forte etica lavorativa.

incidenti lavorativi

— Workplace accidents.

Prevenire gli incidenti lavorativi è vitale.

Se confunde a menudo con

lavorativo vs laborioso

Used for people who work hard or difficult tasks; 'lavorativo' is for the context of work.

lavorativo vs lavoratore

This is a noun (worker); 'lavorativo' is the adjective (working/related to work).

lavorativo vs funzionante

Means 'operational' or 'working' for a machine; 'lavorativo' doesn't apply to machines.

Modismos y expresiones

"mettersi in gioco lavorativamente"

— To challenge oneself professionally.

Ho deciso di mettermi in gioco lavorativamente con questa nuova startup.

informal
"staccare la spina lavorativa"

— To disconnect from work completely.

Dopo un anno duro, devo staccare la spina lavorativa.

informal
"essere sommerso da impegni lavorativi"

— To be overwhelmed by work commitments.

Scusa se non ho chiamato, sono sommerso da impegni lavorativi.

neutral
"fare il salto di qualità lavorativo"

— To make a significant professional advancement.

Questa promozione è il mio salto di qualità lavorativo.

neutral
"un vicolo cieco lavorativo"

— A dead-end job or career path.

Sento di essere in un vicolo cieco lavorativo.

informal
"bruciare le tappe lavorative"

— To advance very quickly in one's career.

Ha bruciato le tappe lavorative diventando manager a 25 anni.

neutral
"navigare in cattive acque lavorative"

— To be in a difficult professional situation.

La sua azienda naviga in cattive acque lavorative.

informal
"trovare la propria dimensione lavorativa"

— To find the perfect job/role for oneself.

Finalmente ho trovato la mia dimensione lavorativa.

neutral
"mettere i bastoni tra le ruote lavorative"

— To sabotage someone's professional efforts.

Il collega gli mette sempre i bastoni tra le ruote lavorative.

informal
"un trampolino di lancio lavorativo"

— A career stepping stone.

Questo stage sarà il mio trampolino di lancio lavorativo.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

lavorativo vs professionale

Both relate to jobs.

Professionale refers to quality/standard; lavorativo refers to the context/existence of work.

Un errore professionale (a mistake in one's craft) vs. Un orario lavorativo (hours of work).

lavorativo vs di lavoro

Often interchangeable.

Di lavoro is more casual; lavorativo is more formal/technical.

Compagni di lavoro vs. Rapporto lavorativo.

lavorativo vs occupazionale

Both used in economic contexts.

Occupazionale is academic/statistical; lavorativo is general.

Tasso occupazionale vs. Mercato lavorativo.

lavorativo vs feriale

Both mean 'non-holiday'.

Feriale is used for schedules/calendars; lavorativo is for the act of working.

Orario feriale (bus schedule) vs. Giorno lavorativo (business day).

lavorativo vs attivo

Because of the '-ativo' suffix.

Attivo means active in general; lavorativo is specific to work.

Uno stile di vita attivo vs. Un impegno lavorativo.

Patrones de oraciones

A1

Il [Day] è un giorno lavorativo.

Il martedì è un giorno lavorativo.

A2

Ho un orario lavorativo di [Number] ore.

Ho un orario lavorativo di otto ore.

B1

La mia esperienza lavorativa è nel settore [Sector].

La mia esperienza lavorativa è nel settore tecnologico.

B2

Entro [Number] giorni lavorativi.

Entro cinque giorni lavorativi.

B2

Un ambiente lavorativo [Adjective].

Un ambiente lavorativo stimolante.

C1

Le dinamiche del contesto lavorativo.

Le dinamiche del contesto lavorativo sono cambiate.

C2

L'impatto [Adjective] sul sistema lavorativo.

L'impatto tecnologico sul sistema lavorativo è evidente.

C2

Sviscerare le problematiche dell'ambito lavorativo.

Dobbiamo sviscerare le problematiche dell'ambito lavorativo.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

lavoro
lavoratore
lavoratrice
lavorazione

Verbos

lavorare
rielaborare
collaborare

Adjetivos

lavorativo
laborioso
lavorabile

Relacionado

professione
impiego
mestiere
carriera
ufficio

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very common in business, legal, and daily logistical contexts.

Errores comunes
  • Un uomo lavorativo Un grande lavoratore

    Lavorativo describes objects/times, not people.

  • Una settimana lavorativo Una settimana lavorativa

    Adjectives must agree in gender with the noun (settimana is feminine).

  • La macchina è lavorativa La macchina è funzionante

    Lavorativo means 'related to the job', not 'in working order'.

  • Giorni lavorativo Giorni lavorativi

    Plural nouns require plural adjectives.

  • Esperienza di lavorativo Esperienza lavorativa

    Don't mix prepositional phrases and adjectives incorrectly.

Consejos

CV Writing

Always use 'Esperienza lavorativa' as your main heading for past jobs.

Business Days

When promising a deadline, use 'giorni lavorativi' to protect yourself from weekend delays.

Agreement

Remember: orario lavorativo (m), settimana lavorativa (f).

Ferragosto

Remember that mid-August is never a 'periodo lavorativo' in Italy!

Stress

Practice saying 'lavorativo' with the stress on 'ti' to sound like a native.

People

Never call a person 'lavorativo'. Use 'laborioso' for hard-working.

Formal vs Informal

Use 'lavorativo' in emails, 'di lavoro' with friends.

Environment

Use 'ambiente lavorativo' to discuss office culture.

Contracts

Look for 'giorni lavorativi' in contracts to know your actual deadlines.

Root Word

Link it to 'Labor' to remember it means 'Working'.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Labor' (work) + 'Active'. If you are in a 'lavorativo' day, your 'labor' is 'active'!

Asociación visual

Imagine a calendar where Monday to Friday are colored bright red (active/lavorativo) and Saturday/Sunday are green (rest).

Word Web

lavoro giorno settimana esperienza ambiente contratto orario mercato

Desafío

Try to describe your typical 'settimana lavorativa' using at least five different nouns modified by 'lavorativo'.

Origen de la palabra

From the Italian noun 'lavoro' (work), which comes from the Latin 'labor' (toil, exertion, hardship).

Significado original: Pertaining to the act of toiling or working.

Romance (Indo-European).

Contexto cultural

Be careful when discussing 'impegni lavorativi' as an excuse; ensure it sounds genuine to avoid appearing dismissive of social obligations.

English speakers often use 'business days' or 'working days'. 'Lavorativo' covers both concepts perfectly.

Statuto dei Lavoratori (Italian Labor Law) Festa del Lavoro (May 1st) Il mondo del lavoro (common news segment title)

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

E-commerce

  • Consegna in 3 giorni lavorativi
  • Esclusi i giorni non lavorativi
  • Tempi lavorativi stimati
  • Procedura lavorativa

Job Interview

  • La mia esperienza lavorativa
  • Obiettivi lavorativi
  • Ambiente lavorativo ideale
  • Aspettative lavorative

Office Life

  • Orario lavorativo
  • Riunione lavorativa
  • Impegni lavorativi
  • Strumenti lavorativi

Legal/Contracts

  • Contratto lavorativo
  • Rapporto lavorativo
  • Normativa lavorativa
  • Controversia lavorativa

Daily Routine

Inicios de conversación

"Com'è il tuo ambiente lavorativo?"

"Quanti giorni lavorativi hai di ferie all'anno?"

"Qual è stata la tua migliore esperienza lavorativa?"

"Preferisci un orario lavorativo fisso o flessibile?"

"Com'è il mercato lavorativo nel tuo paese?"

Temas para diario

Descrivi la tua settimana lavorativa ideale.

Quali sono i tuoi obiettivi lavorativi per il prossimo anno?

Rifletti su come l'ambiente lavorativo influenza il tuo umore.

Parla di una sfida lavorativa che hai superato con successo.

Come separi la tua vita lavorativa da quella privata?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It depends on the context. In many offices, it is not. However, in retail and for legal/postal purposes, it often is. Always clarify 'sabato escluso' if unsure.

No. Use 'un uomo che lavora molto' or 'un grande lavoratore'. 'Lavorativo' only describes things or concepts.

They are very similar. 'Feriale' is used mostly for timetables (like buses), while 'lavorativo' is used for business and contracts.

Use 'Esperienza lavorativa' or 'Esperienze lavorative'. It is the standard professional term.

Yes, it is considered a neutral-to-formal adjective. In very casual speech, 'di lavoro' is often used instead.

Yes, it becomes 'lavorativa'. For example: 'una settimana lavorativa'.

No, use 'funzionante'. 'Lavorativo' is for the human sphere of employment.

It refers to the 'work atmosphere' or 'company culture' in terms of how it feels to work there.

It means within 48 hours of business time, usually excluding weekends and public holidays.

It's grammatically correct but rare. 'Abiti da lavoro' or 'abbigliamento professionale' is much more common.

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

Write a sentence using 'giorno lavorativo'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Describe your 'settimana lavorativa' in three sentences.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

How would you ask about someone's 'orario lavorativo'?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about your 'esperienza lavorativa'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Explain why you are busy using 'impegni lavorativi'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Describe a positive 'ambiente lavorativo'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a formal email sentence using 'giorni lavorativi'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Discuss the 'mercato lavorativo' in your city.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

What are your 'obiettivi lavorativi'?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write about a 'contratto lavorativo' you signed.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Compare 'vita lavorativa' and 'vita privata'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence using 'prospettive lavorative'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use the word 'lavorativi' in the plural.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about 'etica lavorativa'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Describe a 'contesto lavorativo' difficult to manage.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

What is an 'inserimento lavorativo' for you?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about 'ritmi lavorativi'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Use 'lavorativa' to describe a career.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

How has the 'mondo lavorativo' changed recently?

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about 'benessere lavorativo'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Giorno lavorativo'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Esperienza lavorativa'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'I have a work commitment' in Italian.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'The working week is long' in Italian.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Mercato lavorativo'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Within five business days' in Italian.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Describe your office atmosphere using 'ambiente lavorativo'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'My work hours are flexible' in Italian.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Prospettive lavorative'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'I'm looking for a work contract' in Italian.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Work ethics are important' in Italian.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Inserimento lavorativo'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'It was a work accident' in Italian.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Describe a 'giorno lavorativo' typical for you.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'I need to separate work from life' in Italian.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Controversie lavorative'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'The job market is changing' in Italian.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'I have many work goals' in Italian.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronounce: 'Legislazione lavorativa'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'It's not a working day today' in Italian.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen and identify the adjective: 'Il mio orario lavorativo è pesante.'

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Consegna in due giorni lavorativi.' How many days?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Cerchiamo persone con esperienza lavorativa.' What are they looking for?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'L'ambiente lavorativo è tossico.' How is the office?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Ho un impegno lavorativo stasera.' Can the person come to dinner?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Il mercato lavorativo è instabile.' How is the market?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'La settimana lavorativa è di 36 ore.' How many hours?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Non è un giorno lavorativo.' Is it a holiday?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Il contratto lavorativo è a tempo indeterminato.' Is it permanent?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Le prospettive lavorative sono buone.' Are prospects good?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Parliamo di etica lavorativa.' What is the topic?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Un incidente lavorativo grave.' Was the accident small?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Il clima lavorativo deve migliorare.' What must improve?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Entro dieci giorni lavorativi.' What is the deadline?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: 'Il mio percorso lavorativo è iniziato qui.' Where did it start?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
error correction

Lui è un uomo molto lavorativo.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Lui è un uomo che lavora molto / un grande lavoratore

Lavorativo is for things/times, not people.

error correction

Ho una settimana lavorativo molto piena.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Ho una settimana lavorativa molto piena.

Settimana is feminine, so use lavorativa.

error correction

Ci vediamo in tre giorni lavorativo.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Ci vediamo in tre giorni lavorativi.

Giorni is plural, so use lavorativi.

error correction

Il mio macchina non è lavorativa.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: La mia macchina non è funzionante.

Lavorativo doesn't mean 'operational' for machines.

error correction

Cerco un ambiente di lavorativo buono.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Cerco un buon ambiente lavorativo / di lavoro.

Don't use 'di' with the adjective 'lavorativo'.

error correction

Il sabato è un giorno lavorativa?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Il sabato è un giorno lavorativo?

Giorno is masculine.

error correction

Esperienza lavorativo è importante.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: L'esperienza lavorativa è importante.

Esperienza is feminine singular.

error correction

Ho molti impegni lavorativa.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Ho molti impegni lavorativi.

Impegni is masculine plural.

error correction

Il contratto lavorativi è pronto.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Il contratto lavorativo è pronto.

Contratto is singular.

error correction

Le prospettive lavorativo sono scarse.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Le prospettive lavorative sono scarse.

Prospettive is feminine plural.

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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