took up work

[/tʊk ʌp wɜrk/]
verb phrase
começou a trabalhar
1. to start or commence employment or a job
She took up work at the hospital last month.
Ela começou a trabalhar no hospital mês passado.
2. to resume or return to work after a break
After his vacation, he took up work with renewed energy.
Depois de suas férias, ele voltou ao trabalho com energia renovada.
3. to engage in or undertake a particular job or occupation
She took up work as a freelance designer.
Ela começou a trabalhar como designer freelancer.
This phrase is commonly used in professional and everyday contexts in both American English and Brazilian Portuguese. In Brazil, it reflects the importance of employment in social mobility discussions. The phrase is neutral and formal enough for professional settings while remaining accessible in casual conversation.
NYC Slang
got on the job / started grindin'
Synonyms / Sinônimos
started workbegan employmentcommenced worktook on workstarted employment
Antonyms / Antônimos
quit workleft workstopped workingresignedretired

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
começou a trabalhar
most common and standard usage
Rio de Janeiro
começou a trabalhar / entrou pro trabalho
colloquial variation with 'entrou pro trabalho'
São Paulo
começou a trabalhar
standard formal usage in business context
Portugal
começou a trabalhar / iniciou trabalho
more formal with 'iniciou trabalho' in official contexts

Related Words

employmentoccupationjobcareerpositionhiring

Related Idioms & Phrases

take up work in earnest
take up work full-time
take up work temporarily
take up work at a young age
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