casual📍 Mexico — general
Chamba
Job / Work
CHAHM-bah
What does it mean?
"Chamba" is the Mexican word for "work" or "job" — used constantly, from casual conversation to job listings. "Tengo chamba" means "I have work". "Buscando chamba" means "looking for work". The verb form "chambear" means "to work hard". It's informal but broadly accepted across registers.
How to use it
Casual but universal. Mexicans use it everywhere — at work, in conversation, on social media. For very formal contexts (a job application, business writing), "trabajo" reads slightly more professional.
Example sentences
I have to go to work.
Tengo que ir a la chamba.
I'm looking for work.
Ando buscando chamba.
How's work going?
¿Cómo va la chamba?
Related phrases
More mexico-slang phrases
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