Work
The verb 'to work'. Use this when talking about the action of working.
A more formal word for 'job' or 'employment', often seen in news or official documents.
An informal, colloquial term for 'work' or 'a gig', very common in Mexico and parts of Central America.
I have a lot of work today.
I work in a hospital.
My brother is looking for a new job.
What time are you going to work? (Informal)
'Trabajo' (noun) and 'trabajar' (verb) are the universal, standard terms understood everywhere.
'Chamba' is extremely common informal slang for 'work' or 'job'. The verb is 'chambear'.
'Laburo' (from the Italian 'lavoro') is the most common informal word for 'work'. The verb is 'laburar'.
'Camello' (literally 'camel') is popular slang for a 'job', especially a tough one. The verb is 'camellar'.
'Pega' is a very common slang word for 'work' or 'job'.
'Curro' (noun) and 'currar' (verb) are common informal slang for 'work', similar to how 'chamba' or 'laburo' are used in Latin America.
Saying 'Yo trabajo mucho' when you mean 'I have a lot of work'. — 'Trabajo' is a noun (work) and 'trabajo' is also the 'I' form of the verb 'trabajar' (to work). To say 'I have work', you must use the verb 'tener' (to have): 'Tengo mucho trabajo'. 'Yo trabajo mucho' means 'I work a lot'.
Using 'trabajo' for homework. — Schoolwork or homework is 'tarea'. While it is a type of work, 'trabajo' usually refers to a professional job. Correct: 'Tengo mucha tarea de español.' (I have a lot of Spanish homework.)
Using 'funcionar' for people working. — 'Funcionar' means 'to function' and is used for machines or systems, not people. For example, 'Mi celular no funciona' (My cell phone doesn't work). For a person, always use 'trabajar'. Correct: 'Mi papá trabaja en un banco.' (My dad works in a bank.)
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