English · What to say back
How to reply to “What do you do for work?” in English
A work question can be answered with a role, current study, a job search, or a polite change of topic.
Apni job ya padhai ke baare mein ek saaf sentence bolein. Sirf job title kehna bhi kaafi ho sakta hai.
Choose a reply that fits
Reply 1
I work as a teacher.
मैं शिक्षक / शिक्षिका हूँ।
main shikshak / shikshika hoon.
Name a role without a long job description.
Reply 2
I'm a student.
मैं विद्यार्थी हूँ।
main vidyaarthi hoon.
Use when studying is your current activity.
Reply 3
I'm looking for work.
मैं काम ढूँढ़ रहा / रही हूँ।
main kaam dhoondh raha / rahi hoon.
Describe your current situation if you want to.
Reply 4
I'd rather not discuss work right now.
अभी मैं काम के बारे में बात नहीं करना चाहता / चाहती।
abhi main kaam ke baare mein baat nahi karna chaahta / chaahti.
Set a boundary without inventing a job.
What to watch for
Listen to the whole message before choosing a reply. Name a role without a long job description. Describe your current situation if you want to.
See it in a short conversation
Meeting a new person
Partner
What do you do for work?
Show Hindi meaning
आप क्या काम करते हैं?
aap kya kaam karte hain?
You
I work as a teacher.
Show Hindi meaning
मैं शिक्षक / शिक्षिका हूँ।
main shikshak / shikshika hoon.
A casual work question
Partner
What kind of work do you do?
Show Hindi meaning
आप किस तरह का काम करते हैं?
aap kis tarah ka kaam karte hain?
You
I'm a student.
Show Hindi meaning
मैं विद्यार्थी हूँ।
main vidyaarthi hoon.
Your turn
Give a short honest answer about looking for work.
Reveal sample reply
I'm looking for work.
मैं काम ढूँढ़ रहा / रही हूँ।
main kaam dhoondh raha / rahi hoon.
