Meaning
To exert significant effort and dedication in one's work.
Cultural Background
In Brazil, 'trabalhar muito' is often linked to the concept of 'batalhador', someone who fights for their life and success. In Portugal, there is a strong work ethic, but it is less frequently used as a boast compared to Brazil. In Angola, hard work is highly respected as a means of national and personal development. Similar to Angola, the focus is on collective effort and building the nation.
Invariable Adverb
Remember that 'muito' never changes form when it modifies a verb. It is always 'muito'.
Don't Overuse
While common, using 'trabalhar muito' in every sentence can sound repetitive. Use synonyms like 'dar duro' or 'ralar'.
Meaning
To exert significant effort and dedication in one's work.
Invariable Adverb
Remember that 'muito' never changes form when it modifies a verb. It is always 'muito'.
Don't Overuse
While common, using 'trabalhar muito' in every sentence can sound repetitive. Use synonyms like 'dar duro' or 'ralar'.
Context Matters
In a professional setting, 'trabalhar muito' is perfect. In a casual setting, use more colorful language.
The Hustle
In Brazil, talking about how much you work is a common way to show you are a serious person.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form.
Eu ______ muito hoje.
The subject is 'Eu', so the verb must be 'trabalho'.
Which sentence is correct?
Choose the best option.
'Muito' is an invariable adverb here.
Match the English to the Portuguese.
Match the phrases.
Direct translation exercise.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Você está cansado? B: Sim, eu ______ muito.
The context is past tense (cansado), so 'trabalhei' is appropriate.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEu ______ muito hoje.
The subject is 'Eu', so the verb must be 'trabalho'.
Choose the best option.
'Muito' is an invariable adverb here.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Direct translation exercise.
A: Você está cansado? B: Sim, eu ______ muito.
The context is past tense (cansado), so 'trabalhei' is appropriate.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral. It works in almost any situation.
Yes, that means 'I work a lot'.
'Muito' is quantity, 'duro' is intensity/grit.
Use 'Eu trabalhei muito'.
Yes, it is universal.
Yes, 'Estou trabalhando muito nos meus estudos'.
No, it is standard Portuguese.
Trying to make 'muito' agree with the subject.
Yes, it shows you are hardworking.
No, it only means you are putting in a lot of time/effort.
Like the 'lli' in 'million'.
You can say 'ralar' in informal Brazilian Portuguese.
Related Phrases
Dar duro
synonymTo grind/work hard
Trabalhar bem
contrastTo work well
Mãos à obra
builds onLet's get to work
Matar-se de trabalhar
specialized formTo work oneself to death
