Meaning
At work.
Cultural Background
The 'Pausa Caffè' is a fundamental part of being 'in ufficio'. It's not just about caffeine; it's where networking and informal decisions happen. In Milan, 'in ufficio' often implies a faster pace. The phrase 'andare a fatturare' (going to invoice/make money) is a common humorous way to describe going to the office. The 'pausa pranzo' (lunch break) might be longer, and being 'in ufficio' might involve a more relaxed social atmosphere compared to the North. The 'posto fisso' (permanent job) in a government 'ufficio' is a classic Italian dream, famously satirized in the movie 'Quo Vado?'.
Drop the Article
Always remember: it's 'in ufficio', not 'in l'ufficio'. This is the most common beginner mistake!
The Coffee Rule
If someone says they are 'in ufficio' but can't talk, they are likely in a meeting or at the coffee machine.
Meaning
At work.
Drop the Article
Always remember: it's 'in ufficio', not 'in l'ufficio'. This is the most common beginner mistake!
The Coffee Rule
If someone says they are 'in ufficio' but can't talk, they are likely in a meeting or at the coffee machine.
False Friend
Don't say 'in officina' unless you are fixing a car!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition.
Oggi non vado ___ ufficio.
The standard preposition for 'ufficio' is 'in'.
Choose the most natural sentence.
How do you say 'I am at the office'?
Italian drops the article in this common locative expression.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Dove sei? B: ________. Sto lavorando.
The question asks 'Where are you?', so you need the verb 'essere' (to be).
Match the sentence to the situation.
You are leaving your house to go to work. What do you say?
'Vado' means 'I go' or 'I am going'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common 'In' Locations
No Article
- • in ufficio
- • in banca
- • in centro
- • in chiesa
Practice Bank
4 exercisesOggi non vado ___ ufficio.
The standard preposition for 'ufficio' is 'in'.
How do you say 'I am at the office'?
Italian drops the article in this common locative expression.
A: Dove sei? B: ________. Sto lavorando.
The question asks 'Where are you?', so you need the verb 'essere' (to be).
You are leaving your house to go to work. What do you say?
'Vado' means 'I go' or 'I am going'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIn Italian, common destinations like 'ufficio', 'banca', and 'chiesa' drop the article when used generally. You only use 'nell'ufficio' if you are talking about a specific one (e.g., 'the office of the director').
No, 'in ufficio' strictly refers to the physical building. Use 'lavoro da casa' or 'sono in smart working' for remote work.
'Al lavoro' is more general. You can be 'al lavoro' at a construction site, but you are only 'in ufficio' if you are in an office building.
Use the verb 'andare': 'Vado in ufficio'.
If you are talking about multiple offices, you say 'negli uffici'. Note that the article returns in the plural!
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or with your best friend.
It means 'out of office'. You often see this in automated email replies ('Risposta automatica: fuori ufficio').
Yes, but it's very literal, meaning 'inside the room'. 'In ufficio' is the standard way to say you are at work.
Always 'in' for ufficio. 'A' is for 'a casa', 'a scuola', 'a teatro'.
Then you should say 'sono in studio'. This is common for lawyers and doctors.
Related Phrases
al lavoro
similarat work
in sede
specialized formon-site / at headquarters
fuori ufficio
contrastout of the office
smart working
contrastremote work
capo ufficio
builds onoffice manager / boss
