French Phrase
Tu commences à bosser à quelle heure ?
Meaning
This phrase is an informal way to ask someone what time they begin their work. The verb "bosser" is a colloquial synonym for "travailler" (to work), making the entire expression very casual. It's a direct and common question among friends or colleagues in an informal setting.
When to use
Use this phrase when speaking with friends, family, or close colleagues in an informal context. It's perfect for casual conversations about daily schedules or work routines. Avoid using it in formal business settings or with people you don't know well.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tucommencesàbosseràquelle heure
Tu (You, informal)
This is the informal singular form of 'you'. It's used with friends, family, children, and people you know well. Its use here sets the informal tone of the entire phrase.
Commences (Start)
This is the second-person singular (tu) conjugation of the verb 'commencer' (to start). It's a regular -er verb, so its conjugation follows a predictable pattern.
Commencer à + infinitive
The verb 'commencer' is followed by the preposition 'à' when it introduces another verb in the infinitive form, meaning 'to start to do something'.
Bosser (To work, informal)
This is a very common informal verb for 'to work'. While 'travailler' is the standard verb, 'bosser' is frequently used in casual conversation and among peers.
À quelle heure ? (At what time?)
This is a common interrogative phrase used to ask about the time of an event. The 'à' preposition is essential here, meaning 'at'.
🗨In Conversation
Salut ! Ça va ? Tu commences à bosser à quelle heure demain ?
Hey! How are you? What time do you start working tomorrow?
Salut ! Oui, ça va. Je commence à 9h, comme d'habitude.
Hey! Yeah, I'm good. I start at 9 AM, as usual.
✕Common Mistakes
Vous commencez à travailler à quelle heure ?
While grammatically correct, using "travailler" makes the sentence more formal. If you're using "tu" and want to maintain an informal tone, "bosser" is more appropriate.
Tu commences bosser à quelle heure ?
The verb "commencer" (to start) is followed by "à" when introducing an infinitive verb, so it should be "commences à bosser".
↔Alternatives
À quelle heure tu commences le travail ?
What time do you start work?
Vous commencez à travailler à quelle heure ?
What time do you start working? (Formal)
C'est quoi tes horaires de boulot ?
What are your work hours? (Very informal)
Cultural Tip
The use of "bosser" instead of "travailler" is a strong indicator of informality in French. "Bosser" is very common in everyday spoken French, especially among younger generations or in casual settings. Similarly, using "tu" (you, informal) reinforces this casual tone. In a professional or formal context, you would use "vous" and likely "travailler" or a more formal construction.