Spanish Phrase
¿Cuándo trabajas?
Meaning
This phrase is a direct question used to inquire about someone's work schedule or timing. It utilizes the second-person singular present tense of the verb 'trabajar' (to work), making it suitable for informal conversations.
When to use
Use this phrase when coordinating plans with a friend or acquaintance to see when they are free. It is most appropriate for casual settings where the informal 'tú' is used.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Cuándotrabajas?
Cuándo
This is an interrogative adverb meaning 'when' and always requires an accent mark when used in a question.
Trabajas
This is the 'tú' (informal you) conjugation of the verb 'trabajar' in the present indicative tense.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cuándo trabajas esta semana?
When do you work this week?
Trabajo de lunes a jueves.
I work from Monday to Thursday.
✕Common Mistakes
¿Cuándo es tu trabajas?
Do not use 'es tu' before the verb; in Spanish, the verb conjugation already indicates the person performing the action.
¿Cuándo trabajar?
The infinitive form 'trabajar' must be conjugated to 'trabajas' to correctly ask 'do you work'.
↔Alternatives
¿A qué hora trabajas?
At what time do you work?
¿Cuál es tu horario?
What is your schedule?
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking countries, work schedules can be quite different from the standard 9-to-5, often including a break for 'almuerzo' or 'siesta'. Knowing someone's specific hours is crucial for social planning as dinner and outings usually happen much later in the evening.