O tema esta semana é Trabalho - The theme this week is Jobs.
Idioms esta semana - these are always interesting, and we can learn some new words from within the expressions. But take care when using them!
cesteiro que faz um cesto faz um cento - if you make one mistake you are likely to make others (lit. basket maker who makes one basket makes a hundred)
em casa de ferreiro espeto de pau - often you do not find something in the place you would expect it (lit. in the blacksmith's house skewer of stick)
não vá o sapateiro além da chinela - people should not go beyond their competences (lit. the shoemaker doesn't go beyond the slipper)
os ossos do ofício - obligations of a job, what makes a job difficult (lit. the bones of a trade)
talho da vida - job (lit. butcher, carve of the life)
Here’s a link to a Quizlet set with the words for you to play about with.
If you would like to join one of the weekly chat groups - we run two weekly - A0/A1 Weds 13h-13h30, A2/B1 - Thurs 13h-13h45, all details are in the weekly newsletter - sign up here.
AND because we learn really well from stories and seeing examples of correct language, every week I put together 3 stories or dialogues on the week’s theme with examples of the week’s words and phrases in a useful context. I strongly believe that we can learn a lot from reading, these mini-texts with translations are just the right length for you to digest easily. (look at the translations first if that helps!)
A0 / A1 – A Marta trabalha num café
A Marta é empregada de mesa. Ela trabalha num café pequeno, no centro da cidade. Todos os dias, ela começa às oito da manhã. A Marta serve cafés, bolos e sandes aos clientes. Ela gosta de falar com as pessoas e é sempre simpática. Ao meio-dia, ela faz uma pausa e come uma sopa e pão. Depois, continua a trabalhar até às cinco da tarde. Ao fim do dia, a Marta vai para casa e descansa. Ela gosta do seu trabalho.
A2 – O João está à procura de emprego
O João terminou o curso de informática há três meses. Agora, ele está à procura de emprego. Todos os dias, ele envia currículos por e-mail e responde a anúncios na internet. Já fez duas entrevistas, mas ainda não recebeu propostas. João quer trabalhar numa empresa de tecnologia, onde possa aprender mais e crescer profissionalmente. Enquanto espera, ajuda o pai na oficina de carros e faz pequenos trabalhos de informática para amigos. Ele acredita que vai encontrar um bom emprego em breve.
B1+ – A mudança de carreira da Inês
A Inês trabalhou como bancária durante dez anos. Apesar de ter um bom salário, não se sentia feliz. Há dois anos, decidiu mudar de vida. Tirou um curso de pastelaria e começou a fazer bolos em casa para vender. Ao princípio, foi difícil, mas agora tem muitos clientes e recebe encomendas para festas e casamentos. Inês diz que, apesar de trabalhar mais horas, sente-se realizada. Para ela, é importante fazer algo que gosta. Ela acredita que é possível mudar de carreira em qualquer idade.
Translations of the stories:A0 / A1 – Marta works in a café Marta is a waitress. She works in a small café in the city centre. Every day, she starts at eight in the morning. Marta serves coffee, cakes and sandwiches to customers. She likes talking to people and is always friendly. At midday, she takes a break and eats soup and bread. Then, she continues working until five in the afternoon. At the end of the day, Marta goes home and rests. She likes her job. A2 – João is looking for a job João finished his IT course three months ago. Now, he is looking for a job. Every day, he sends CVs by email and replies to adverts on the internet. He has already had two interviews, but hasn’t received any offers yet. João wants to work in a tech company, where he can learn more and grow professionally. While he waits, he helps his father in the car workshop and does small IT jobs for friends. He believes he will find a good job soon. B1+ – Inês’s career change Inês worked as a bank employee for ten years. Although she had a good salary, she didn’t feel happy. Two years ago, she decided to change her life. She took a pastry course and started baking cakes at home to sell. At first, it was difficult, but now she has many clients and gets orders for parties and weddings. Inês says that even though she works more hours, she feels fulfilled. For her, it’s important to do something she enjoys. She believes it’s possible to change career at any age.