obra
/OH-brah/
work
This painting is an example of an artistic 'obra' (work or creation).
obra(Noun)
work
?artistic or literary creation
,piece
?a composition
masterpiece
?often used in the phrase 'obra maestra'
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Feminine
Even though 'obra' starts with a stressed 'o,' it is always a feminine noun and takes the feminine article 'la' (la obra).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Common Usage
Use 'obra' when referring to finished, published, or displayed creative items (books, paintings). To talk about tasks or chores, use 'trabajo'.
The process of building or the construction site itself is called 'obra'.
obra(Noun)
construction
?the process of building
,building site
?the location of construction
roadwork
?public works
,project
?a large undertaking
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Related Roles
The person who works on a construction site is an 'obrero' (worker/laborer), a masculine noun closely related to 'obra'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Work vs. Project
Mistake: "Using 'trabajo' when referring to a construction site (e.g., 'el trabajo')."
Correction: Use 'la obra' when referring to the physical building project or site.
A dramatic theatrical performance or stage production is referred to as a 'obra' (play).
obra(Noun)
play
?a theatrical performance
,production
?a staged performance
deed
?moral or philanthropic action (often plural: 'obras')
📝 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)
💡 Grammar Points
Deeds and Actions
When 'obra' means a deed or action (usually moral or charitable), it is often used in the plural: 'hacer buenas obras' (to do good deeds).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: obra
Question 1 of 2
¿Qué significa la frase 'ponerse manos a la obra'?
📚 More Resources
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.