obra
“obra” means “work” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
work, piece
Also: masterpiece
📝 In Action
Esta novela es su mejor obra hasta la fecha.
A2This novel is his best work to date.
La galería expuso las obras de varios artistas jóvenes.
B1The gallery exhibited the works of several young artists.
construction, building site
Also: roadwork, project
📝 In Action
Hay mucha obra en la calle principal; el tráfico es lento.
A1There is a lot of construction on the main street; the traffic is slow.
La obra del nuevo hospital estará terminada el próximo año.
A2The construction of the new hospital will be finished next year.
Los obreros están trabajando en la obra.
A2The workers are working on the site.
play, production
Also: deed
📝 In Action
Fueron al teatro a ver una obra de Shakespeare.
B1They went to the theater to see a play by Shakespeare.
La obra que montaron fue un éxito total.
B2The play they staged was a total success.
Sus buenas obras fueron reconocidas por la comunidad.
C1His good deeds were recognized by the community. (Meaning 3, secondary)
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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Words that translate to "obra" in Spanish:
building site→construction→deed→masterpiece→piece→play→production→project→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: obra
Question 1 of 2
¿Qué significa la frase 'ponerse manos a la obra'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *opera*, meaning 'work,' 'effort,' or 'labor.' It is closely related to the English word 'opera' and 'operate,' showing its root connection to doing or producing something.
First recorded: Around the 10th-11th century (Old Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'obra' the same as 'trabajo'?
Not exactly. 'Trabajo' is the general word for 'job,' 'employment,' or 'labor.' 'Obra' usually refers to the result of labor (a creative piece, a building) or a major project itself. Think of 'obra' as the output, and 'trabajo' as the effort.
How do I say 'masterpiece' in Spanish?
The common phrase is 'obra maestra,' which literally means 'master work.' Note that 'obra' is feminine.