Spanish · Real conversations
Work updates: useful Spanish phrases
Explain progress and agree on a priority.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | Spanish |
|---|---|
| to work | trabajar to work |
| to finish | terminar to finish |
| to start | empezar to start |
| Busy | ocupado/a Busy |
| I'm working on ... | Estoy trabajando en … Show English translationI'm working on … |
| I've finished ... | He terminado … Show English translationI've finished … |
| I need more time. | Necesito más tiempo. Show English translationI need more time. |
| What's the deadline? | ¿Cuál es la fecha límite? Show English translationWhat's the deadline? |
| What should I prioritize? | ¿Qué debería priorizar? Show English translationWhat should I prioritize? |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
¿En qué estás trabajando hoy?
What are you working on today?
You
Estoy trabajando en el informe.
I'm working on the report.
Partner
¿Cómo vas con el informe?
How far have you got with the report?
You
Terminé el primer borrador.
I've finished the first draft.
Work updates in other languages
A note on speaking Spanish
These guides use broadly understandable Latin American Spanish. Tú is familiar and usted is respectful or formal, with important regional variation. Me gustaría and ¿podría …? are useful for considerate requests.
Keep accent marks and opening question marks. Some regions choose different everyday words. Follow the complete example rather than substituting English words one by one, especially with pronouns and expressions of preference.
