domestic worker

[dəˈmɛstɪk ˈwɜrkər]
nounpl: domestic workers
trabalhador(a) doméstico(a)
1. A person employed to perform household tasks such as cleaning, cooking, or childcare in someone else's home
The domestic worker cleaned the house every Tuesday morning.
A trabalhadora doméstica limpava a casa toda terça-feira de manhã.
2. An employee who works in a private residence providing domestic services
Many domestic workers in the city come from rural areas seeking employment.
Muitos trabalhadores domésticos na cidade vêm de áreas rurais em busca de emprego.
In Brazil, the term 'trabalhador(a) doméstico(a)' is the preferred modern and respectful designation. Historically, 'empregada doméstica' was the standard term, but it carries connotations of a hierarchical employer-employee relationship. The 'diarista' (day worker) is a very common employment arrangement in Brazilian households. Domestic work is a significant sector of the Brazilian economy, particularly employing women and migrants. In the USA, domestic workers come from diverse backgrounds and are protected by various labor laws, though enforcement remains an issue in the informal sector.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
houseworkerhousekeepermaiddomestic helphousehold employeedomestic servant
Antonyms / Antônimos
employerhomeowner

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
trabalhador(a) doméstico(a)
Most common formal term in Brazil
General Brazilian
empregada doméstica (feminine)
Traditional term, still widely used but considered somewhat dated
General Brazilian
diarista
Person who works by the day; common in Brazil for part-time domestic work
São Paulo
faxineira
Specifically a cleaning worker, very common colloquial usage
Portugal
trabalhador(a) doméstico(a)
Same as Brazilian Portuguese; formal term
Portugal
empregada de limpeza
Cleaner; more modern and respectful term in Portugal

Related Words

housekeepinghousemaidnannyau paircaregivercleaning service

Related Idioms & Phrases

domestic help
household staff
live-in domestic worker
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