WorkBeginner
Answering "What do you do?" in English (beginner)
Beginner English for answering "What do you do?". Key line: “I *work* in a *lab*.”
Full script
Lin
I work in a lab.
Them
Oh, nice. What do you study?
Lin
I study cells. They're very tiny.
Them
So you're a scientist?
Lin
Kind of. The cells are my coworkers.
Them
Do your coworkers talk much?
Lin
No. They're quiet, but very busy.
Them
Nice. Tiny coworkers, no office drama.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
I work
✓ I work in a lab.Say where you work
Saying the place sounds natural
study
✓ I study cells.Say your subject
study can mean research too
kind of
✓ Kind of.Soft yes
Use it when you don't want to sound too strong
you study
✓ What do you study?Ask their field
Keep talking about their work
Quick answers
I work: what to say in English
Say “I work in a lab.” — say where you work. Saying the place sounds natural.
study: what to say in English
Say “I study cells.” — say your subject. study can mean research too.
kind of: what to say in English
Say “Kind of.” — soft yes. Use it when you don't want to sound too strong.
you study: what to say in English
Say “What do you study?” — ask their field. Keep talking about their work.