vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Trabajar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to work", and "laborar" is a transitive verb which is also often translated as "to work". Learn more about the difference between "trabajar" and "laborar" below.
trabajar(
trah
-
bah
-
hahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
3. (to shape)
a. to work
Como alfarero, me encanta trabajar el barro y crear cacharros.As a potter, I just love working the clay and making pots.
a. to work
En este pueblo todavía trabajan la tierra con bueyes.They still use oxen to work the land in this village.
5. (culinary)
b. to mix (ingredients)
Hay que trabajar los ingredientes con una batidora eléctrica.You need to mix the ingredients with a blender.
6. (to improve)
7. (to market)
trabajarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to work on
Todavía me la estoy trabajando para que pruebe a jugar al fútbol.I'm still working on her to try soccer.
laborar(
lah
-
boh
-
rahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to work
El agricultor está laborando la tierra para poder cultivar una cosecha después.The farmer is working the soil to be able to raise crops later.
b. to till (literary)
A word or phrase restricted in usage to literature or established writing (e.g., sex, once upon a time).
Carmen está plantando semillas tras laborar el terreno ayer.Carmen is planting some seeds after tilling the land yesterday.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
2. (formal) (to labor)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
a. to work
Los conductores laboran más de 10 horas al día para ganarse el jornal.The drivers work over 10 hours a day to earn a day's wage.
a. to work to
Los sindicalistas laboran por conseguir más derechos para los trabajadores.The union members are working to achieve more workers' rights.
