paperwork
word
/ˈpeɪpɝˌwɝk/
PAY-pur-wurk
/pˈeɪpəwˌɜːk/
PAY-puh-wurk
Definition
Administrative work that involves filling out forms, signing documents, or dealing with official records. It is often seen as necessary but boring or time-consuming.
Usage & Nuances
Usually uncountable: say 'do paperwork' or 'a lot of paperwork,' not usually 'paperworks.' Common with offices, hospitals, schools, visas, taxes, and legal processes. It can refer to actual paper documents or digital admin tasks too.
Spanish: papeleo - trámitesPortuguese (BR): papelada - burocraciaPortuguese (PT): papelada - burocraciaChinese (Simplified): 文书工作 - 手续Chinese (Traditional): 文書工作 - 手續Hindi: कागजी काम - औपचारिक कागजात का कामArabic: أعمال ورقية - معاملات ورقيةBengali: কাগজপত্র - দাপ্তরিক কাজRussian: документация - бумажная работаJapanese: 書類作業Vietnamese: thủ tục giấy tờ - công việc giấy tờKorean: 서류 작업Turkish: evrak işleri - kâğıt işleriUrdu: دستاویزی کامIndonesian: pekerjaan administrasi - pekerjaan dokumen
Example Sentences
I'll handle the paperwork if you talk to the client.
natural
I have to finish the paperwork today.
basic
The nurse gave me paperwork to sign.
basic
Starting a new job means a lot of paperwork.
basic
We can't approve the request until the paperwork goes through.
natural
Honestly, the paperwork took longer than the interview.
natural