Portuguese Phrase
Tô só trabalhando, sabe.
Meaning
This phrase is a common colloquial way to describe one's current state of being busy or preoccupied with work. The word 'tô' is a shortened form of 'estou', and 'sabe' acts as a conversational filler similar to 'you know' in English. It often implies a sense of routine or a lack of more exciting news to share.
When to use
Use this when a friend asks what you've been up to or how your life is going. It is perfect for casual conversations where you want to express that work is taking up most of your time.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Tôsótrabalhandosabe
Tô
A colloquial contraction of 'estou' (the verb 'estar'), used for temporary states or ongoing actions.
Trabalhando
The gerund form of 'trabalhar', equivalent to the English '-ing' form.
Sabe
The third-person singular of 'saber' (to know), used here as a tag question or filler.
🗨In Conversation
E aí, o que você tem feito ultimamente?
Hey, what have you been doing lately?
Tô só trabalhando, sabe.
I'm just working, you know.
✕Common Mistakes
Estou somente trabalhando, sabe.
While grammatically correct, 'somente' sounds too formal for this specific casual expression; 'só' is much more natural.
Tô só trabalhar, sabe.
You must use the gerund form 'trabalhando' to indicate an ongoing action.
↔Alternatives
Só no trabalho.
Just at work.
Na correria do trabalho.
In the rush of work.
Cultural Tip
Brazilians frequently shorten 'estou' to 'tô' in spoken language to sound more natural and less robotic. Adding 'sabe' at the end is a very common linguistic habit in Brazil to build rapport and ensure the listener is following the conversation.