Italian Phrase
Lavora il lunedì.
Meaning
This phrase describes a recurring professional obligation or habit occurring every Monday. In Italian, the presence of the definite article 'il' before the day of the week signifies that the action is habitual, rather than a one-time event.
When to use
Use this phrase when discussing someone's weekly work schedule or explaining why someone is unavailable on a specific recurring day. It is appropriate for both formal and informal settings.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Lavoraillunedì
Lavorare (Lavora)
This is the third-person singular present tense of 'lavorare'. It can mean he works, she works, or you (formal) work.
The Definite Article (il)
Placing 'il' before a day of the week turns a specific day into a recurring habit (e.g., every Monday).
🗨In Conversation
Marco viene al parco oggi?
Is Marco coming to the park today?
No, lavora il lunedì.
No, he works on Mondays.
✕Common Mistakes
Lavora su lunedì.
In Italian, you do not use prepositions like 'on' (su) for days; the definite article 'il' is used instead.
Lavora in lunedì.
Avoid using 'in' for days of the week; the article 'il' correctly indicates the time frame.
↔Alternatives
Lavora ogni lunedì.
He/she works every Monday.
Lavora di lunedì.
He/she works on Mondays (habitually).
Cultural Tip
In Italy, the work week traditionally begins on Monday, and 'il lunedì' is often discussed in the context of 'il rientro' (the return) to work after the weekend. Using the article 'il' is the most common way to express a weekly routine without needing to use the word 'tutti' (all).