33 phrases · Levels: A1A2B1B2
Cosa fai per lavoro?
What do you do for work?
One of the first questions in Italian introductions after name and origin. It is completely normal and non-intrusive to ask this early in any adult conversation in Italy.
Lavoro in proprio — sono libero professionista.
I work for myself — I am a freelancer.
Use when explaining self-employment in Italian professional contexts. The concept of the 'libero professionista' is legally specific in Italy — a recognized professional category with its own tax regime.
Sono in cerca di lavoro da qualche mese.
I have been looking for work for a few months.
Share when the topic of work comes up and you are between jobs. In Italy, this statement is made without significant stigma — job searching is a normal life phase discussed openly.
Purtroppo sono stato licenziato.
Unfortunately I was made redundant.
Share with trusted acquaintances when job loss comes up. 'Purtroppo' signals you didn't choose to leave — it was involuntary. Italians respond with genuine solidarity and often practical help.
Ho avuto un colloquio di lavoro ieri.
I had a job interview yesterday.
Share when someone asks about your job search or when you want to open a conversation about your professional situation. 'Colloquio' is the standard Italian word for a job interview.
Ho ricevuto una promozione!
I got a promotion!
Share as good news with friends and colleagues. Career advancement is celebrated in Italian culture — those who hear will respond with genuine warmth and often want to celebrate.
Ultimamente lavoro troppo — sono esaurita.
Lately I work too much — I'm exhausted.
Use with trusted colleagues or friends when work stress is affecting your wellbeing. Complaining about overwork is a universal bonding topic — it generates empathy and shared understanding.
Che orario fai al lavoro?
What are your working hours?
Ask when discussing work-life balance or scheduling. Work hours are a practical and socially relevant topic — Italians are often surprised by each other's working arrangements.
Il mio capo è molto esigente.
My boss is very demanding.
Use when discussing your boss with colleagues or friends. Workplace complaints (and compliments) about management are a major topic in Italian workplace social culture.
Lavoro nel settore pubblico.
I work in the public sector.
Use when explaining where you work in a social or professional context. The public vs. private distinction in Italy is socially significant — each carries different connotations about job security and culture.
Ho cambiato lavoro di recente.
I changed jobs recently.
Use when explaining a career change or when someone notices you're in a new role. 'Di recente' (recently) conveys the timing naturally without specifying an exact date.
Oggi ho riunioni tutto il giorno — sono distrutto/a.
Today I have meetings all day — I'm wrecked.
Use with colleagues or friends when complaining about a meeting-heavy day. It creates instant solidarity and often generates commiseration. Universal in modern office culture.
Lavoro da remoto tre giorni a settimana.
I work remotely three days a week.
Use when explaining your work arrangement. Remote work arrangements are now common conversation topics in Italian professional culture. The hybrid model is the most common arrangement.
Finalmente ho un contratto a tempo indeterminato!
I finally have a permanent contract!
Share as very significant good news. A permanent contract ('contratto a tempo indeterminato') in Italy is not just a work arrangement — it is a life milestone that affects housing, family planning, and social status.
Ho fatto uno stage in un'azienda internazionale.
I did an internship at an international company.
Use when describing early career experience. Internships ('stage') are very common in Italy — often unpaid or very low paid. They are a standard pathway into professional life, especially for graduates.
Mi piace molto il mio lavoro.
I really like my job.
Use whenever work satisfaction comes up — a positive statement that often surprises people and invites them to ask more. Job satisfaction is genuinely valued in Italian culture.
Purtroppo il mio settore è in crisi.
Unfortunately my sector is in crisis.
Use when discussing economic challenges in your industry. Economic and professional difficulties are openly discussed in Italy — sharing sector struggles creates understanding and often solidarity.
Sto pensando di mettermi in proprio.
I'm thinking of going self-employed.
Share when contemplating a career change or entrepreneurial move. In Italy, expressing entrepreneurial ambitions is socially acceptable and increasingly common, especially among under-40s.
Guadagno abbastanza bene per il momento.
I earn quite well for now.
Use when salary comes up without wanting to be specific. The qualifier 'per il momento' (for now) and 'abbastanza' (quite/fairly) keeps the answer honest but non-committal.
Faccio molte trasferte per lavoro.
I travel a lot for work.
Use when describing your work lifestyle. Business travel ('trasferte') is a significant part of many Italian professionals' lives — it has both glamorous and exhausting connotations.
Il mio sogno è lavorare nel turismo.
My dream is to work in tourism.
Use when discussing professional ambitions. Italy's tourism industry is one of the world's most significant — many Italians dream of working in it. This statement always opens warm conversation.
Lavoro nel terzo settore — in un'associazione no-profit.
I work in the third sector — in a non-profit organization.
Use in conversations about professional sector and values. Non-profit work in Italy signals a values-driven choice — it is respected and often discussed with admiration.
Faccio il pendolare — un'ora e mezza ogni giorno.
I commute — an hour and a half every day.
Use when discussing your daily routine or the burden of commuting. Long commutes are common in Italian cities and generate universal sympathy. It's a rich topic for bonding over shared urban frustrations.
Ho un collega con cui vado poco d'accordo.
I have a colleague I don't get along well with.
Use when discussing workplace relationships with trusted friends or colleagues outside the immediate team. Italian workplace social dynamics are rich and openly discussed.
La nostra azienda sta cercando personale.
Our company is looking for staff.
Use when you know of job openings and want to share the information. In Italy, sharing job opportunities through personal networks is extremely common and socially valued.
Mi piacerebbe fare una formazione professionale.
I would like to do some professional training.
Use when discussing professional development plans. Investing in skills ('formazione') is increasingly discussed in Italian workplaces as the economy transforms and new competencies are needed.
Lavoro in un ambiente giovane e dinamico.
I work in a young and dynamic environment.
Use when describing your workplace culture positively. 'Ambiente giovane e dinamico' is standard Italian professional vocabulary for a fast-paced, innovative workplace.
La burocrazia italiana mi uccide.
Italian bureaucracy is killing me.
Use when complaining about administrative hurdles in professional life. This is one of the most universally shared Italian frustrations — it creates instant solidarity with any Italian listener.
Voglio crescere professionalmente.
I want to grow professionally.
Use when discussing career ambitions in a job interview, networking event, or personal conversation. It signals ambition and drive — qualities increasingly valued in Italian professional culture.
Il mio team è la cosa migliore di questo lavoro.
My team is the best thing about this job.
Use when describing positive aspects of your workplace. Praising your team is socially intelligent — it shows loyalty and collegiality. It also opens conversation about workplace relationships.
Sto studiando per un concorso pubblico.
I am studying for a public exam/competition.
Use when you are preparing for a competitive public sector exam. 'Concorsi pubblici' are a major part of Italian professional life — millions of Italians sit them at some point.
Sono artigiano — lavoro con le mie mani.
I am a craftsman — I work with my hands.
Use when describing artisanal or manual work with pride. In Italy, craftsmanship ('artigianato') is a cultural identity and a source of enormous national pride — stating you work with your hands commands respect.
Ho raggiunto l'obiettivo che mi ero prefissato.
I achieved the goal I had set for myself.
Use when reflecting on a professional achievement. This sentence shows self-awareness and satisfaction — appropriate in a mentoring conversation, job interview, or personal reflection shared with a trusted friend.