Signification
Stating your current destination.
Contexte culturel
The morning commute is sacred. Most Italians will not 'andare al lavoro' without first having a quick espresso at a bar, standing up. In the business capital, 'andare al lavoro' is often synonymous with taking the 'Metro'. The pace is faster than in the south. You will frequently hear 'Vado a lavoro' (dropping the 'l'). This is a regional trait and is very common in Naples and Rome. Even if you are 'going to work', how you dress matters. 'La bella figura' means you look professional even if your job is casual.
The 'Al' Rule
Always remember that 'a' + 'il' = 'al'. It's one of the most common contractions in the language.
Don't say 'Vado a il'
It marks you immediately as a beginner. Practice the contraction until it's automatic.
Signification
Stating your current destination.
The 'Al' Rule
Always remember that 'a' + 'il' = 'al'. It's one of the most common contractions in the language.
Don't say 'Vado a il'
It marks you immediately as a beginner. Practice the contraction until it's automatic.
Use 'In ufficio'
If you work in an office, 'Vado in ufficio' sounds slightly more natural and specific to native ears.
The Coffee Stop
If you say 'Vado al lavoro' at 8:30, people assume you'll be at your desk by 9:00 after a coffee break.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct contraction.
Ogni mattina ______ (I go) ______ (to the) lavoro.
The first person of 'andare' is 'vado', and 'a' + 'il' becomes 'al'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I'm going to work'?
How do you say it?
'Vado' is the conjugated form, and 'al' is the correct prepositional contraction.
Fill in the missing line.
A: Ciao! Vuoi un gelato? B: Magari, ma non posso. ________.
The context of 'not being able to' suggests a commitment like work.
Match the Italian phrase to its English meaning.
Match them up:
These are all common 'Vado' destinations.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesOgni mattina ______ (I go) ______ (to the) lavoro.
The first person of 'andare' is 'vado', and 'a' + 'il' becomes 'al'.
How do you say it?
'Vado' is the conjugated form, and 'al' is the correct prepositional contraction.
A: Ciao! Vuoi un gelato? B: Magari, ma non posso. ________.
The context of 'not being able to' suggests a commitment like work.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are all common 'Vado' destinations.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, it is very common in spoken Italian, especially in the South, but 'Vado al lavoro' is the grammatically correct version for exams and formal writing.
'Vado al lavoro' emphasizes the destination (the workplace), while 'Vado a lavorare' emphasizes the action of working.
You say 'Vado in ufficio'. Note that we use 'in' for 'ufficio' but 'al' for 'lavoro'.
It is neutral. You can use it with anyone, from your best friend to your CEO.
It's better to say 'Inizio a lavorare' (I'm starting to work) since you aren't physically going anywhere.
You say 'Torno al lavoro'.
Because 'lavoro' is a masculine noun. 'Alla' is used for feminine nouns (e.g., 'Vado alla posta').
No, for school you say 'Vado a scuola'.
No, Italian is a pro-drop language. 'Vado' already tells us that 'I' am the one going.
You can say 'Vado a faticare', which is a humorous way of saying you're going to work hard.
Vado al lavoro in macchina.
Say 'Vado da un cliente' instead of 'Vado al lavoro'.
Expressions liées
Vado in ufficio
similarI'm going to the office
Vado a lavorare
builds onI'm going to work (the action)
Torno dal lavoro
contrastI'm coming back from work
Sono al lavoro
similarI am at work
Vado in ditta
specialized formI'm going to the company/firm
