trabaja
/tra-BA-ha/
he works / she works / it works
This image shows a person working, illustrating the meaning of 'trabaja' (he/she/it works).
trabaja(Verb)
he works / she works / it works
?Describing the action of a person or thing
,you work
?Polite/formal 'you' (usted)
it functions
?Referring to a machine or device
📝 In Action
Mi hermana trabaja en un hospital.
A1My sister works in a hospital.
El motor trabaja muy bien con esta gasolina.
A2The engine works (functions) very well with this gasoline.
¿Usted trabaja aquí, señor?
A1Do you work here, sir?
💡 Grammar Points
One Word, Many Meanings
In Spanish, the ending of the verb tells you who is doing the action. 'Trabaja' can mean 'he works,' 'she works,' or 'you work' if you're speaking formally to someone (usted). You'll know who it is from the rest of the conversation.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'trabajo' and 'trabaja'
Mistake: "Yo trabaja en la tienda."
Correction: Say 'Yo trabajo en la tienda.' Verbs ending in '-o' usually mean 'I' am doing the action. Verbs ending in '-a' are for 'he/she/you (formal)'.
⭐ Usage Tips
For People and Things
You can use 'trabaja' for a person doing a job, but also for a machine that is functioning correctly. For example, 'El reloj trabaja perfectamente' (The clock works perfectly).
The coach is giving a direct instruction, representing the informal command '¡trabaja!' (work!).
📝 In Action
¡No te quedes ahí parado, trabaja!
A2Don't just stand there, work!
Hijo, trabaja en tus deberes antes de jugar.
A1Son, work on your homework before playing.
💡 Grammar Points
This is a Command
When you see 'trabaja' used to tell someone what to do (usually with an exclamation point!), it's the command form for 'tú' (the informal 'you'). It's how you'd tell a friend or family member to work.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using a command in a question
Mistake: "¿Trabaja tú aquí?"
Correction: For a question, say '¿Tú trabajas aquí?'. The command form 'trabaja' is only for telling someone what to do, not for asking questions.
⭐ Usage Tips
Tone Matters
Just like in English, saying '¡Trabaja!' can sound a bit harsh. It's often softened with 'por favor' (please) or used in a context of encouragement, like a coach to an athlete.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: trabaja
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'trabaja' as a command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'trabaja' and 'trabajo'?
'Trabajo' (with an 'o') means 'I work' or it can be a noun meaning 'work/job'. 'Trabaja' (with an 'a') means 'he/she/it works' or 'you (formal) work'. It can also be a command: 'Work!'
How do I know if 'trabaja' means 'he works' or is a command?
Context is key! If someone is talking about another person, like 'Juan trabaja mucho', it's a description. If they are talking directly to someone and telling them what to do, often with an urgent tone or exclamation marks like '¡Trabaja!', it's a command.