fábrica
“fábrica” means “factory” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
factory, plant
Also: mill
📝 In Action
Mi tío trabaja en una fábrica de coches muy grande.
A1My uncle works in a very large car factory.
La fábrica cerró el año pasado y mucha gente perdió su empleo.
A2The plant closed last year and many people lost their jobs.
Visité la fábrica para ver cómo hacen los chocolates.
A2I visited the factory to see how they make the chocolates.
construction
Also: structure, upkeep/works
📝 In Action
La fábrica de la catedral duró más de dos siglos.
B2The construction of the cathedral lasted more than two centuries.
El arquitecto supervisó la fábrica de las nuevas viviendas.
C1The architect supervised the building (process) of the new houses.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: fábrica
Question 1 of 2
Which Spanish word means the material used for clothing, NOT the building where things are made?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin word *fabrica*, meaning 'workshop' or 'art/craftsmanship.' It is related to the word 'faber,' which meant 'artisan' or 'worker,' highlighting the original focus on skilled manual labor.
First recorded: Medieval Latin period, gaining modern meaning in the Industrial Revolution.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'fábrica' the only word for 'factory' in Spanish?
No, you will also hear 'planta' or 'factoría,' but 'fábrica' is the most common and general term used across all Spanish-speaking regions.
How do I say 'manufacturer'?
The word 'fabricante' (the maker) is the standard term. For example, 'el fabricante de coches' (the car manufacturer).