trabajos
/trah-BAH-hos/
jobs
Multiple sources of employment, or 'jobs' (trabajos), are often represented by the tools of the trade.
trabajos(noun)
jobs
?multiple sources of employment
,works
?as in, pieces of art or literature
professions
?careers or occupations
📝 In Action
Ella tuvo dos trabajos a la vez para pagar la universidad.
A1She had two jobs at once to pay for university.
Los trabajos creativos son difíciles de encontrar.
A2Creative jobs are hard to find.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Plural Masculine
Since 'trabajos' is the plural of the masculine noun 'trabajo,' it always uses masculine plural adjectives and articles (e.g., 'los trabajos,' 'muchos trabajos').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Trabajos' for General 'Work'
Mistake: "Hago muchos trabajos hoy."
Correction: Hago mucho trabajo hoy. (Use the singular 'trabajo' when referring to the general concept of 'work' or 'labor' without counting specific tasks or jobs.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Referring to Art
You can use 'trabajos' to refer to multiple pieces of creative work, like paintings or sculptures, in a formal context.
Specific duties or assignments are referred to as 'tasks' (trabajos).
trabajos(noun)
tasks
?specific duties or assignments
,projects
?school or professional assignments
homework assignments
?academic setting
📝 In Action
Los estudiantes deben entregar todos sus trabajos antes del viernes.
A2The students must hand in all their assignments before Friday.
Tenemos muchos trabajos de jardinería por hacer este fin de semana.
B1We have many gardening tasks to do this weekend.
⭐ Usage Tips
Assignments vs. Chores
While 'tareas' is often used for simple chores or general homework, 'trabajos' usually implies a larger, more significant, or graded assignment.
The word trabajos can also mean 'efforts,' representing strenuous physical or mental exertion.
trabajos(noun)
efforts
?strenuous physical or mental exertion
,hardships
?difficulties endured
labors
?intense physical work (often biblical/mythological)
📝 In Action
La construcción de las pirámides requirió grandes trabajos.
B2The construction of the pyramids required great labors/efforts.
Sus trabajos para lograr la paz fueron reconocidos.
B1His efforts to achieve peace were recognized.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal and Figurative
This meaning is often used figuratively to describe intense mental or physical exertion, not just paid employment.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: trabajos
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'trabajos' to mean specific assignments or projects?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'trabajos' ever a verb?
Yes, 'trabajos' is technically a conjugated verb form, specifically the 'tú' negative command form of 'trabajar' (to work), as in 'No trabajes' (Don't work). However, the word 'trabajos' itself is overwhelmingly used as the plural noun meaning 'jobs' or 'tasks'.
How do I say 'I have a lot of work' without using 'trabajos'?
Use the singular noun 'trabajo': 'Tengo mucho trabajo.' 'Trabajos' is only for counting discrete jobs, tasks, or pieces of effort.