Italian Phrase
Sei pronto/a per il lavoro?
Meaning
The sentence asks someone if they are ready to start working, either for the day or for a specific task. It can be used in a professional setting or informally when a colleague is about to begin a shift.
When to use
Use this question in the morning before a workday begins, before a meeting, or when a teammate is about to start a project. It works both in formal offices and casual environments like cafés or workshops.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Seipronto/aperillavoro?
Essere (sei)
The verb 'essere' (to be) is conjugated in the second person singular present: 'sei'.
Pronto / pronta
Adjective 'pronto' must agree in gender with the subject: 'pronto' for a male, 'pronta' for a female.
Preposizione 'per'
Use 'per' to indicate purpose or destination, here meaning 'for' or 'to'.
Articolo determinativo 'il'
The masculine singular definite article 'il' precedes 'lavoro' (work).
🗨In Conversation
Sei pronto per il lavoro?
Are you ready for work?
Sì, ho finito di prepararmi. Tu?
Yes, I’ve finished getting ready. And you?
✕Common Mistakes
Sei pronto a per il lavoro?
Do not combine 'a' and 'per'; use only 'per' after 'pronto' when asking about readiness for something.
Sei pronto per il lavoro?
Match the adjective gender with the subject; use 'pronto' for males, 'pronta' for females.
↔Alternatives
Sei pronto a cominciare?
Are you ready to start?
Sei pronto per la tua giornata lavorativa?
Are you ready for your workday?
Hai tutto pronto per il lavoro?
Do you have everything ready for work?
Cultural Tip
In Italy punctuality is valued, especially in northern regions. Asking 'Sei pronto per il lavoro?' can be a friendly way to check if a colleague has prepared the necessary documents or tools. In more formal settings you might add a title, e.g., 'Signor Rossi, è pronto per il lavoro?'.