Meaning
States the place or company where one is employed.
Cultural Background
Brazilians often use 'trabalhar' as a way to start a long conversation. Don't be surprised if 'Eu trabalho em...' leads to a 20-minute talk about the company's coffee. In Portugal, people are more likely to use formal titles when discussing work. You might say 'Trabalho no gabinete do Dr. Silva'. In Luanda, work talk often involves 'candongueiros' (taxis) and the commute. 'Eu trabalho na cidade' implies a long journey.
The 'Na' Rule
When in doubt with a company name, use 'na'. Most companies are 'a empresa', which is feminine.
Nasal 'Em'
Make sure your 'em' sounds nasal. If it sounds like English 'M', it will be hard to understand.
Meaning
States the place or company where one is employed.
The 'Na' Rule
When in doubt with a company name, use 'na'. Most companies are 'a empresa', which is feminine.
Nasal 'Em'
Make sure your 'em' sounds nasal. If it sounds like English 'M', it will be hard to understand.
Remote Work
If you work remotely, say 'Eu trabalho em regime de home office' to sound very professional.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct contraction (no/na/num/numa).
Eu trabalho ___ (em + a) farmácia.
Farmácia is a feminine noun, so em + a = na.
Which sentence is correct for a job title?
How do you say 'I work as a waiter'?
Use 'como' for professions, not 'em'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Onde você trabalha? B: Eu trabalho ___ Google.
In Brazil, Google is usually treated as feminine (a empresa Google).
Match the place to the sentence.
If you work from your house, you say:
The expression 'em casa' does not use an article.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu trabalho ___ (em + a) farmácia.
Farmácia is a feminine noun, so em + a = na.
How do you say 'I work as a waiter'?
Use 'como' for professions, not 'em'.
A: Onde você trabalha? B: Eu trabalho ___ Google.
In Brazil, Google is usually treated as feminine (a empresa Google).
If you work from your house, you say:
The expression 'em casa' does not use an article.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes! 'Eu trabalho em Lisboa' or 'Eu trabalho no Rio' (Rio takes an article).
Both are used, but 'na' (the company) is more common in Brazil, while 'no' (the search engine/site) is also heard.
Say 'Eu trabalho por conta própria' or 'Sou freelancer'.
Yes, if you are naming a place or company, you need the preposition.
You can say 'Eu trabalho em marketing' or 'Eu trabalho na área de marketing'.
It's both! 'Eu trabalho' (I work - verb) and 'O meu trabalho' (My job - noun).
Related Phrases
Trabalho por conta própria
specialized formSelf-employed
Estou desempregado
contrastI am unemployed
Faço bico
informalI do side gigs
