Work on Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈwɝk/ /ˈɑn/, /ˈɔn

WURK-awn

UK

wˈɜːk/ /ˈɒn

WURK-on

Definition

To spend time trying to improve something, finish a task, or make progress on a project or skill.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and very common. Often used with projects, skills, or personal development (e.g., 'work on my English', 'work on a report'). Can mean both 'to do work on' and 'to improve'. Not used for workplaces ('work at' a company).

• Spanish: trabajar en - mejorar (habilidad)
• Portuguese (BR): trabalhar em - aprimorar (habilidade)
• Portuguese (PT): trabalhar em - melhorar (competência)
• Chinese (Simplified): 致力于 - 改进（技能）
• Chinese (Traditional): 致力於 - 改進（技能）
• Hindi: पर काम करना - सुधारना (कौशल)
• Arabic: يعمل على - يحسّن (مهارة)
• Bengali: কাজ করা - উন্নতি করা
• Russian: работать над
• Japanese: 取り組む - 改善する
• Vietnamese: làm việc trên - cải thiện
• Korean: 작업하다 - 개선하다
• Turkish: üzerinde çalışmak
• Urdu: پر کام کرنا - بہتر بنانے کی کوشش کرنا
• Indonesian: mengerjakan - memperbaiki

Example Sentences

I need to work on my homework tonight.

basic

She wants to work on her English pronunciation.

basic

They will work on the new project together.

basic

I've been working on getting healthier by exercising more.

natural

Can you please be quiet? I'm trying to work on something important.

natural

My manager suggested I work on my presentation skills before the next meeting.

natural