Workplace vocabulary helps you talk about jobs, places, tools, and daily activities at work. This guide covers common terms for different kinds of workplaces and typical roles.
Office
An office is a place where administrative, professional, or clerical work happens, often with desks, computers, and meeting rooms.
| English Word(s) | English Translation(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| office | a place where people do administrative or professional work | |
| desk | a piece of furniture where you work, usually with a flat surface | |
| meeting room | a room used for group discussions or presentations | |
| computer | an electronic device used for work or communication | |
| receptionist | a person who greets visitors and answers phones | |
| manager | someone who oversees a team or department | |
| employee | a person who works for a company | |
| client | a person or company that buys services or products | |
| report | a document that gives information about work or projects |
The office is where we do most of our paperwork and meetings.
Factory
A factory is a place where goods are made or assembled, often with machines and workers doing specialized tasks.
| English Word(s) | English Translation(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| factory | a building where products are made or assembled | |
| assembly line | a system where products move from worker to worker for each step | |
| machine | a device that helps perform work faster or easier | |
| worker | a person who does manual or skilled labor in the factory | |
| supervisor | someone who oversees the workers and production process | |
| safety gear | equipment worn to protect workers, like helmets or gloves | |
| quality control | the process of checking products to make sure they meet standards | |
| shift | a set period of work time, like morning or night | |
| warehouse | a place where finished products are stored before shipping |
Retail
Retail involves selling goods directly to customers, usually in stores, and includes roles like cashiers, sales associates, and stockers.
| English Word(s) | English Translation(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| store | a place where goods are sold to customers | |
| cashier | a person who handles payments at the checkout | |
| sales associate | an employee who helps customers find products | |
| stocker | a worker who fills shelves with merchandise | |
| shelf | a flat surface where products are displayed | |
| customer | a person who buys goods or services | |
| price tag | a label that shows the cost of an item | |
| inventory | the list or stock of products in a store | |
| register | the machine used to process sales and payments |
Restaurant
Restaurants serve food and drinks to customers, and common jobs include servers, cooks, hosts, and bartenders.
| English Word(s) | English Translation(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| restaurant | a place where food and drinks are prepared and served | |
| menu | a list of food and drink options for customers | |
| waiter / waitress | a person who takes orders and brings food to tables | |
| cook | a person who prepares meals in the kitchen | |
| chef | the head cook who oversees kitchen operations | |
| host / hostess | a person who greets and seats customers | |
| bartender | someone who prepares and serves drinks at the bar | |
| table | a piece of furniture where customers sit to eat | |
| bill / check | a statement of the amount owed for food and drinks |
Construction
Construction work involves building, repairing, or renovating structures, and uses tools, machines, and safety equipment.
| English Word(s) | English Translation(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| construction site | the place where building or repair work happens | |
| builder | a person who constructs or assembles structures | |
| architect | a professional who designs buildings | |
| engineer | a specialist who plans and oversees technical projects | |
| foreman | the supervisor in charge of a construction crew | |
| crane | a large machine used to lift heavy materials | |
| hard hat | a helmet worn for safety on construction sites | |
| blueprint | a detailed plan or drawing of a building project | |
| tool | an instrument used to perform work, like a hammer or drill |
Healthcare
Healthcare workplaces provide medical services, and common roles include doctors, nurses, therapists, and administrative staff.
| English Word(s) | English Translation(s) | |
|---|---|---|
| hospital | a facility where patients receive medical treatment | |
| clinic | a smaller medical center for outpatient care | |
| doctor | a medical professional who diagnoses and treats patients | |
| nurse | a healthcare worker who cares for patients and assists doctors | |
| receptionist | a person who manages appointments and greets visitors | |
| patient | someone who receives medical care | |
| appointment | a scheduled time to see a healthcare provider | |
| medical record | a file that contains a patient's health information | |
| prescription | an order from a doctor for medicine or treatment |
Summary
Workplace vocabulary varies by setting, but key terms describe places, roles, tools, and activities. Learn words for your specific field and common functions like selling, building, or caring for patients.
Last updated: Fri Oct 24, 2025