Talk about your job, workplace culture, and career in British English — the language every professional needs.
About 20 minutes
Working Life in Britain
British workplace culture has its own distinct language and etiquette. Colleagues often chat over a 'cuppa' (cup of tea), apologise constantly even when they are not at fault, and heavily value understatement. Saying 'not bad' often means 'excellent', while 'a bit tricky' can mean 'impossible'. Whether you are in a bustling office, on a Zoom call, or attending a formal job interview, understanding these nuances is essential. Knowing British workplace phrases will make you sound confident, polite, and highly professional.
Türkçe
İngiliz iş yeri kültürünün kendine has belirgin bir dili ve görgü kuralları vardır. İş arkadaşları sık sık bir 'cuppa' (bir fincan çay) eşliğinde sohbet eder, hataları olmasa bile sürekli özür diler ve mübalağadan kaçınmaya büyük önem verirler. 'Fena değil' demek genellikle 'mükemmel' anlamına gelirken, 'biraz zor' ifadesi 'imkansız' demek olabilir. İster hareketli bir ofiste, ister bir Zoom görüşmesinde veya resmi bir iş görüşmesinde olun, bu ince detayları anlamak çok önemlidir. İngilizce iş yeri kalıplarını bilmek, kulağa özgüvenli, kibar ve son derece profesyonel gelmenizi sağlayacaktır.
Workplace Vocabulary
English
Türkçe
colleagueI'll check with my colleague and get back to you.
iş arkadaşıİş arkadaşıma danışıp size geri döneceğim.
line managerYou'll need to speak to your line manager about taking time off.
doğrudan yönetici / bağlı olduğun müdürİzin almak için bağlı olduğunuz yöneticiyle konuşmanız gerekecek.
touch baseI'll touch base with the team after the meeting.
kısaca görüşmek / iletişime geçmekToplantıdan sonra ekiple kısaca bir görüşeceğim.
take on boardThanks for the feedback — I'll definitely take that on board.
göz önünde bulundurmak / dikkate almakGeri bildirim için teşekkürler, bunu kesinlikle dikkate alacağım.
redundancyUnfortunately, three people were made redundant last month.
işten çıkarılma (kadro fazlalığı nedeniyle)Maalesef geçen ay üç kişi işten çıkarıldı.
appraisalMy annual appraisal is next week — I'm a bit nervous about it.
Present Perfect for Work Experience
Use the Present Perfect to talk about your career history—actions in your past that are still relevant now, or unfinished situations.
Finished vs Unfinished Time
✓ I've worked here since 2019. (Unfinished - you are still there)
✗ I have worked there last year.
✓ I worked there last year. (Past Simple - time is finished)
🔒
Activity — Present Perfect at Work
Fill the gaps and check your answers as you go. Free account needed.
First Day at the Office
Sophie: Welcome! I'm Sophie — I'm one of the account managers. Have you met everyone yet?
Elif: Not quite — I've met the IT team, but I haven't had a chance to speak to the sales team.
Sophie: Don't worry, you'll get there! How long have you been in the UK?
Elif: I've been here for about two years. I worked in Istanbul before — I was in HR.
Sophie: Brilliant! We could really do with your experience. Have you had your induction with the line manager yet?
Elif: Yes — she was really helpful. I've got my appraisal targets already!
Sophie: Ha! That's very efficient. Fancy a cuppa? Tea is basically compulsory in this office.
Elif: I'd love one, thanks. I've already had three coffees today, so maybe I'll switch to tea.
Sophie: Good call. I usually bring some biscuits in on a Friday, too.
Elif: Oh, that sounds lovely. I'll make sure to bring some Turkish delight next week!
After-Work Socialising
Socialising after work is a cornerstone of British office life. Colleagues frequently head to the local pub on a Friday evening for a quick pint or a glass of wine to unwind. This is completely optional, but it is a fantastic way to build relationships outside the formal office environment. Just remember, work talk is usually kept to a minimum once you leave the building!
Türkçe
İşten sonra sosyalleşmek, İngiliz ofis hayatının temel taşlarından biridir. İş arkadaşları genellikle cuma akşamları yorgunluk atmak için yerel bir pub'a giderek bir bardak bira veya şarap içerler. Bu tamamen isteğe bağlıdır, ancak resmi ofis ortamı dışında ilişkiler kurmak için harika bir yoldur. Unutmayın, binadan ayrıldıktan sonra iş sohbetleri genellikle en aza indirilir!
🔒
Catch Up with Your Line Manager
Say it out loud to a British AI tutor and get feedback on your pronunciation. Free account needed.
🔒
Update Your Colleague on Your Workplace Experience
Write your answer and have it marked, with corrections. Free account needed.
Now actually practise it
Reading a lesson is the easy half. A free account unlocks the parts that make it stick — listen to every word in a British accent, test yourself on the quiz, and use it in a live conversation with Mr Smith. Your progress is saved and the words come back for review before you forget them.
