wage earner

[/weɪdʒ ˈɜːrnər/]
nounpl: wage earners
assalariado
1. a person who works for wages or a salary; an employee who receives regular payment for labor
Most wage earners in the city work in office buildings or retail stores.
A maioria dos assalariados da cidade trabalha em prédios comerciais ou lojas de varejo.
2. a member of the working class who depends on wages for income rather than owning a business
The policy affects millions of wage earners across the country.
A política afeta milhões de assalariados em todo o país.
In Brazil and the United States, 'wage earner' typically refers to members of the working and middle classes who depend on regular employment income. The term is often used in economic and policy discussions to distinguish this group from business owners, investors, or self-employed individuals. It carries neutral to respectful connotations when discussing labor rights, minimum wage, and employment benefits.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
employeeworkersalaried employeelaborerwage worker
Antonyms / Antônimos
employerself-employedbusiness ownerentrepreneurcapitalist

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
assalariado
most common term for someone receiving a salary
General Brazilian
trabalhador assalariado
more formal, emphasizes the working aspect
Portugal
assalariado
same as Brazilian Portuguese, standard usage
Portugal
empregado
alternative term, slightly more formal

Related Words

wagesalaryemploymentlaborpaycheckworking class

Related Idioms & Phrases

living paycheck to paycheck
breaking even
making ends meet
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