работать vs делать

rabotat' vs delat' — work/function vs do/make

What it really means

Работать means work at a job, be operating, or function: работать в банке, компьютер работает. Делать means do, make, create, or perform a task and takes what is done: делать отчёт, делать упражнение. Работа may involve many individual things one делает.

For “work on” a project, работать над + instrumental is common; делать проект stresses making it.

Examples in natural speech

Она работает в школе.
She works at a school.
Лифт сегодня не работает.
The lift is not working today.
Я делаю домашнее задание.
I am doing my homework.
Он делает кофе.
He is making coffee.
Мы работаем над новым проектом.
We are working on a new project.

Common mistakes

Do not say делать в офисе for “work at an office”; use работать в офисе. Делать работу is possible for doing a task, but работать is needed for employment or a machine functioning.

Memory tip

Работать is sustained work or function; делать is one concrete thing you do or make.

Frequently asked questions

How do I say my computer works?

Мой компьютер работает.

How do I say do homework?

Делать домашнее задание.

What case follows работать над?

Instrumental: работать над проектом.

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