The concept of work, or *feina*, is central to any language. In Catalan, there are various words and phrases associated with work that you should familiarize yourself with.

Feina – Work or job. This is the general term for work or a job in Catalan.
Tinc molta feina avui.

Treballar – To work. This verb is used to describe the act of working.
Necessito treballar més hores per acabar el projecte.

Ocupació – Employment or occupation. This refers to one’s job or profession.
La seva ocupació és enginyer.

Empresa – Company. This word is used to denote a business organization.
Treballa en una gran empresa internacional.

Horari – Schedule or timetable. This word is used for work hours or any scheduled plan.
El meu horari de treball és de 9 a 5.

Cap – Boss or head. This term is used for a person in charge at a workplace.
El meu cap és molt estricte.

Projecte – Project. This refers to a specific work task or assignment.
Estic treballant en un nou projecte.

Reunió – Meeting. This is a common term for a business meeting or gathering.
Tenim una reunió a les 10 del matí.

Contracte – Contract. This refers to a legal agreement for employment.
He signat el meu contracte avui.

Salari – Salary. This word is used for the money one earns from their job.
El meu salari mensual és prou bo.

Vacances – Vacation. This term is used for time off from work.
Estic esperant les vacances d’estiu.

Promoció – Promotion. This word is used when someone gets a higher position at work.
Vaig rebre una promoció el mes passat.

Companya – Colleague or coworker. This term is used for someone you work with.
La meva companya de treball és molt amable.

Esforç – Effort. This word is used to denote the energy put into work.
He posat molt esforç en aquest projecte.

Responsabilitat – Responsibility. This term is used for tasks or duties one is accountable for.
És la meva responsabilitat assegurar-me que tot funcioni correctament.

Phrases and Expressions Related to Work

Fer hores extres – To work overtime. This phrase is used when someone works more than their regular hours.
He de fer hores extres aquesta setmana.

Treballar des de casa – To work from home. This is a common phrase in the modern work environment.
Avui treballo des de casa.

Estar ocupat – To be busy. This phrase is used to express that someone has a lot of work to do.
Estic molt ocupat amb aquest projecte.

Prendre un descans – To take a break. This phrase is used when someone takes a short rest from work.
Necessito prendre un descans.

Jugar – Playing

On the other side of the spectrum, we have *jugar*, which translates to playing. This concept is just as important and is associated with leisure and enjoyment.

Jugar – To play. This is the general verb used for playing.
Els nens volen jugar al parc.

Joc – Game. This noun is used for any type of game.
Aquest joc és molt divertit.

Joguina – Toy. This term is used for objects children play with.
El nen ha rebut una nova joguina.

Esport – Sport. This word is used for physical games or sports.
El futbol és el meu esport favorit.

Esbarjo – Recreation. This term is used for activities done for enjoyment.
Necessito una mica de esbarjo després de treballar.

Oci – Leisure. This word is used for free time activities.
M’agrada llegir durant el meu oci.

Distracció – Distraction or amusement. This term is used for activities that entertain.
La televisió és una bona distracció.

Diversió – Fun or amusement. This word is used to describe enjoyable activities.
Anar al parc d’atraccions és pura diversió.

Entreteniment – Entertainment. This term is used for activities designed to entertain.
El cinema és una forma d’entreteniment.

Activitat – Activity. This word is used for any action or task, often recreational.
La meva activitat preferida és caminar.

Temps lliure – Free time. This phrase is used for time not occupied by work.
En el meu temps lliure, m’agrada pintar.

Passatemps – Hobby. This term is used for activities done regularly for pleasure.
El meu passatemps és la fotografia.

Partit – Match or game. This word is used for competitive games, especially sports.
Vaig veure un partit de futbol ahir.

Excursió – Excursion or trip. This term is used for outings or short trips.
Fem una excursió a la muntanya aquest cap de setmana.

Phrases and Expressions Related to Playing

Passar-ho bé – To have a good time. This phrase is used when someone is enjoying themselves.
Espero que passis-ho bé a la festa.

Fer una pausa – To take a break. This phrase is used when someone stops an activity to rest.
És important fer una pausa durant l’estudi.

Jugar a pilota – To play ball. This phrase is used when playing ball games.
Els nens estan jugant a pilota al pati.

Jugar a cartes – To play cards. This phrase is used for card games.
M’agrada jugar a cartes amb els amics.

Sortir amb amics – To go out with friends. This phrase is used for social outings.
M’agrada sortir amb amics els caps de setmana.

Fer esport – To play sports. This phrase is used for engaging in sports activities.
És important fer esport regularment.

Practicar un hobby – To practice a hobby. This phrase is used for engaging in hobbies.
En el meu temps lliure, m’agrada practicar un hobby.

In conclusion, understanding the vocabulary and phrases related to *feina* and *jugar* is essential for mastering Catalan. These words not only help you communicate effectively but also provide a window into the culture and lifestyle of Catalonia. Whether you’re discussing work or leisure activities, having a robust vocabulary in these areas will enhance your language skills and deepen your appreciation of Catalan culture.