Signification
Being at one's place of employment.
Contexte culturel
The 'pausa caffè' is a sacred part of being 'al lavoro'. It's not just a break; it's where networking and problem-solving happen. In Milan, 'al lavoro' often implies a faster pace. The phrase 'Milano da bere' from the 80s contrasted with the image of the hard-working Milanese 'al lavoro'. The phrase 'a lavoro' (without the 'l') is very common in speech in the South, reflecting regional linguistic tendencies to drop articles. Italians generally value their free time, so being 'al lavoro' is strictly for working hours. Calling someone 'al lavoro' for non-urgent matters is often seen as slightly intrusive.
The 'A' Rule
Remember that in Italian, we use 'a' for work, home (a casa), and school (a scuola).
No 'The' in English
Don't translate 'al lavoro' as 'at the work'. In English, we just say 'at work'.
Signification
Being at one's place of employment.
The 'A' Rule
Remember that in Italian, we use 'a' for work, home (a casa), and school (a scuola).
No 'The' in English
Don't translate 'al lavoro' as 'at the work'. In English, we just say 'at work'.
Use with 'Mettersi'
To sound like a native, use 'mettiamoci al lavoro' instead of 'cominciamo a lavorare'.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct contracted preposition.
Marco non è a casa, è ___ lavoro.
We need 'a' + 'il', which becomes 'al'.
Which sentence is correct?
How do you say 'Let's get to work'?
'Mettiamoci' is the reflexive form needed for this idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Dove sei? B: ________, finisco tra un'ora.
'Sono' (I am) describes your current location/state.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are leaving your house to go to your office.
'Vado' indicates movement toward the destination.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Common Verbs with 'al lavoro'
Action
- • andare
- • tornare
- • mettersi
State
- • essere
- • restare
- • rimanere
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMarco non è a casa, è ___ lavoro.
We need 'a' + 'il', which becomes 'al'.
How do you say 'Let's get to work'?
'Mettiamoci' is the reflexive form needed for this idiom.
A: Dove sei? B: ________, finisco tra un'ora.
'Sono' (I am) describes your current location/state.
You are leaving your house to go to your office.
'Vado' indicates movement toward the destination.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, that is a literal translation from English and sounds incorrect in Italian. Use 'sono al lavoro'.
'Al lavoro' is general (at work), while 'in ufficio' is specific (in the office).
It is common in spoken Italian, especially in the South, but 'al lavoro' is the correct grammatical form.
You say 'Vado al lavoro'.
Not necessarily. It means you are working *right now*. To say you have a job, say 'Ho un lavoro'.
No, for homework use 'faccio i compiti'.
It's a way to say 'have a good day at work' to someone else.
It is neutral and can be used in any situation.
You say 'Sono tornato dal lavoro'.
Yes, 'Siamo al lavoro sul progetto' means you are currently working on it.
Expressions liées
buon lavoro
similarHave a good day at work / Enjoy your work
fuori lavoro
contrastOff work / outside of work
compagno di lavoro
builds onCoworker
carico di lavoro
specialized formWorkload
