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How would you ask someone you've just met in a business context what s/he does for a living in spanish?

2 Answers

3 votes

Final Answer:

"Disculpe, ¿podría decirme a qué se dedica en su trabajo?"

Step-by-step explanation:

When initiating a conversation in a business context to inquire about someone's profession or occupation in Spanish, a polite and commonly used question is "¿Cuál es su ocupación o profesión?" This phrase is formal and respectful, making it suitable for a professional setting. It directly translates to "What is your occupation or profession?" and serves as a courteous way to gather information about the person's work without being overly intrusive.

In a business context, it's crucial to strike a balance between professionalism and friendliness. This question achieves that balance by using formal language while expressing genuine interest in the individual's professional background. By asking about their occupation or profession, you demonstrate a willingness to understand their role within the business world, fostering a positive and respectful communication environment.

Remember to pay attention to cultural nuances and the tone of the conversation. Using a formal and polite question like this sets the right tone for a business setting, where professionalism is highly valued. The simplicity and clarity of the question also make it easy for the other person to respond comfortably, promoting a smooth and constructive dialogue.

User Ingo Mi
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4 votes

Final answer:

To ask someone about their job in Spanish in a business context, common questions include ¿En qué trabajas?, ¿A qué te dedicas?, and ¿Cuál es tu profesión?. Additional conversational inquiries can delve into how they reached their current position and what they enjoy most about their work.

Step-by-step explanation:

When you've just met someone in a business context and want to know what they do for a living, the goal is to inquire about their profession or job in a polite and professional manner. In Spanish, a few appropriate ways to ask about someone's occupation would include:

  • ¿En qué trabajas?
  • ¿A qué te dedicas?
  • ¿Cuál es tu profesión?

These are respectful ways to ask someone about their work, and they open the dialogue for further conversation about their career path, interests, and the like. You can also phrase your question more conversationally to learn about how they came to be in their current position and what they enjoy most about their job, adding questions like:

  • ¿Cómo llegaste a este puesto?
  • ¿Qué es lo que más te gusta de tu trabajo?

Asking about someone's career is a common practice in introductions to understand not just their means of sustenance but their professional identity and the role they play in their work environment.

User Bigflow
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