Portuguese Phrase
Trabalho com saúde.
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to 'I work with health,' but it is the standard idiomatic way to express that you are employed in the healthcare sector. It is a broad expression that can encompass any role from clinical positions like doctors and nurses to administrative roles within a hospital.
When to use
Use this phrase in professional or social settings when someone asks about your career or industry. It is the perfect response to the question 'Em que área você trabalha?' (In what area do you work?).
✦Grammar Breakdown
Trabalhocomsaúde
Trabalho (Verb)
This is the first-person singular present tense of 'trabalhar'. The 'o' ending tells the listener you are talking about yourself.
Com (Preposition)
While it usually means 'with', here it functions to link the action of working to a specific industry or sector.
🗨In Conversation
O que você faz da vida?
What do you do for a living?
Trabalho com saúde. Sou enfermeiro.
I work in healthcare. I am a nurse.
✕Common Mistakes
Eu trabalho no saúde.
The word 'saúde' is feminine, but more importantly, 'com' is the preferred preposition for industries.
Trabalho para a saúde.
'Trabalho para' suggests you work for a specific person or company, whereas 'com' identifies the field.
↔Alternatives
Trabalho na área da saúde.
I work in the healthcare area.
Sou profissional de saúde.
I am a healthcare professional.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, healthcare is a major topic of conversation due to the distinction between the public system (SUS) and private insurance. When you use this phrase, expect a follow-up question about your specific specialty or whether you work in a public or private facility.