Level 1

These are some useful expressions and questions you can use when talking about your job.

Question	Example Answer
What company do you work for?	I work for Fujitsu.
Where do you work?	I work in Yokohama.

How long have you worked for Fujitsu?	I've worked there for 3 years.
How long have you had your job?	I've had my job for 3 years.
How long have you worked there?	I've worked there for 3 years.

When are your days off?	My days off are Saturday and Sunday.
What days do you have off?	I have Saturdays and Sundays off.

What hours do you work?	I work from 9 to 5.
What days do you work?	I work from Monday to Friday.

How many days a week do you work?	I work 5 days a week.
How many hours a week do you work?	I work 40 hours a week.
How many hours a day do you work?	I work 8 hours a day.

Do you get a break?	Yes, I do. / No, I don't.
How long is your break?	It's an hour. I get an hour break. I get an hour for break.
How long does it take for you to go to work? How long does it take for you to get to work?	It takes about 2 hours.
What train line do you take?	I take the Yokohama line.
What time do you finish work?	I finish work at 5:00.
What time do you get out of work?	I get out of work at 5:00
What time do you start work?	I start work at 9:00
Do you have national holidays off?	Yes, I do. / No, I don't.
Do you have to work on national holidays?	Yes, I do. / No, I don't.
Do you get a long vacation?	Yes, I do. / No, I don't.
Do you get paid vacations?	Yes, I do. / No, I don't.
Do you get any sick days?	Yes, I do. / No, I don't.
Do you get paid sick days?	Yes, I do. / No, I don't.
How much vacation time do you get?	I get 2 weeks off for New Years, and Golden Week.
How many days do you get off for vacation?	I get 2 weeks summer vacation.

Question	Example Answers
How do you get to work? How do you go to work?	I drive to work. I ride my motorcycle.	I take the bus. I ride the bus.	I take the Sotetsu line. I ride the train.	I walk to work. I ride my bicycle.
Common errors:	I go by car.	I go by bus.	I go by train.	I go by foot. / I go on foot.

The grammar is fine with these errors, but most native speakers use the active voice and the verb for the action. These are in the passive voice. If you are not sure what "active voice" and "passive voice" means, look them up in your grammar book or ask me in school.

The following are some questions you should know, but SHOULD NOT always ask. Most people do not want to talk about their private financial affairs and will be offended if you ask. These questions

Question	Example Answer
What is your salary?	It is $$$ a year.
How much do you make a month?	I make $$$ a month.
How much do you make an hour?	I make $$$ an hour.
How much do you make a year?	I make $$$ a year.
How much do you take home after taxes?	I take home $$$ after taxes.
How much money do you save each month?	I save $$$ a month.
How much do you invest each month?	I invest $$$ a month.

Questions	Example Answers		Example Answers
Do you like your job?	Yes, I do.	Yes, very much.	Sometimes.	No, I don't.	No, not really.
What do you like best about your job?	I like ...
What don't you like about your job?	I don't like ...
How are the hours?	They are OK.	I have to work too early. I don't like it.	I have to work too late. I don't like getting home so late.	The hours are good.
How is your schedule?	Not bad.	It's very busy.	This week, I am booked full.
What is your schedule like?		It's very busy.	I have no free time.
What do you do at work?		I teach English.	I develop new cures for cancer.

Level 1

Occupations

Don't forget to check your dictionary to learn more words relating to work and occupations!

These are just a few examples of what you can say. If you have any questions, please visit my Guest Book and post your question.

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