Meaning
To put a lot of effort into one's job or task.
Cultural Background
In France, the 35-hour work week is a major cultural touchstone. 'Travailler dur' is often used to describe the intensity within those hours. In Quebec, you will frequently hear 'travailler fort' instead of 'travailler dur'. It is a regional variation that is perfectly accepted. In French universities, 'travailler dur' is the standard way to describe the preparation for 'concours' (competitive exams).
Adverbial usage
Remember that 'dur' is an adverb here, so it never changes form.
Avoid 'durement'
While 'durement' exists, it means 'harshly' (e.g., 'he was punished harshly'). Don't use it for work!
Meaning
To put a lot of effort into one's job or task.
Adverbial usage
Remember that 'dur' is an adverb here, so it never changes form.
Avoid 'durement'
While 'durement' exists, it means 'harshly' (e.g., 'he was punished harshly'). Don't use it for work!
Use with 'pour'
Combine it with 'pour' + infinitive to explain your motivation.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence.
Il _____ dur pour réussir.
Third person singular conjugation of 'travailler'.
Which is correct?
Choose the correct adverbial phrase.
'Travailler dur' is the standard collocation.
Match the meaning.
Match 'travailler dur' to its English equivalent.
Direct translation.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Tu es fatigué ? B: Oui, je _____ dur toute la journée.
Past tense is required for 'toute la journée'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIl _____ dur pour réussir.
Third person singular conjugation of 'travailler'.
Choose the correct adverbial phrase.
'Travailler dur' is the standard collocation.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Direct translation.
A: Tu es fatigué ? B: Oui, je _____ dur toute la journée.
Past tense is required for 'toute la journée'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, that means he works harshly or cruelly. Use 'dur' for hard work.
It is neutral. You can use it in almost any situation.
It is a regular -er verb. Je travaille, tu travailles, il travaille, etc.
Yes, but they often say 'travailler fort'.
Yes, it is very common for students.
You could say 'travailler peu' or 'ne pas travailler'.
'Bosser' is slang. Use 'travailler' for professional settings.
Because 'dur' is an adverb here, and adverbs are invariable.
Related Phrases
Bosser dur
synonymTo work hard (informal)
Se donner du mal
similarTo go to great lengths
Travailler d'arrache-pied
specialized formTo work tirelessly
