travail

work

noun trah-VAY Common

Also means

job

Usage Note

Travail has the irregular plural travaux, which also means 'construction works' or 'public works' (travaux publics). The familiar English word 'travel' derives from the same Latin root (trepalium, a torture device), reflecting that travel was once grueling labor. Bon courage pour ton travail! is a common encouraging phrase — France does not use 'good luck' here but rather 'be courageous.'

Examples

"Il cherche un travail depuis un mois."

Natural Translation

He has been looking for work for a month.

Literal Translation

He seeks a work since a month.

Related Words

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