Italian Phrase
Lavori il sabato?
Meaning
A direct question asking whether the listener works on Saturday. It can refer to a particular Saturday (e.g., this coming weekend) or to the listener’s usual Saturday schedule.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to know someone’s availability for weekend plans, when coordinating a shift, or simply to make small‑talk about work habits.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lavoriilsabato?
Lavori
Second‑person singular present indicative of the verb *lavorare* (to work).
il
Definite article masculine singular; used before days of the week when referring to a specific day or a regular habit.
sabato
Noun meaning “Saturday”. In Italian the days of the week are masculine and need the article.
🗨In Conversation
Lavori il sabato?
Do you work on Saturday?
No, di solito non lavoro il sabato. Possiamo incontrarci?
No, I usually don’t work on Saturday. Can we meet?
✕Common Mistakes
Lavori a sabato?
The preposition *a* is not used before days of the week; the correct article is *il*.
Lavori sabato?
Leaving out the article sounds unnatural; you need *il sabato*.
Lavori il Sabato?
Capitalize days only at the beginning of a sentence; keep them lowercase.
↔Alternatives
Hai lavoro il sabato?
Do you have work on Saturday?
Sei al lavoro il sabato?
Are you at work on Saturday?
Lavori di sabato?
Do you work on Saturdays (as a regular thing)?
Cultural Tip
In most of Italy shops and many offices close on Saturday, especially in smaller towns, so asking about Saturday work can give you a clue about whether someone is free for a coffee or a family outing. In larger cities and in sectors like tourism, retail, or healthcare, Saturday shifts are common. Keep the tone informal unless you’re speaking to a boss or a client, in which case you might say “Lavora il sabato?” using the formal *lavora*.