obras
/OH-bras/
construction
"Obras" often refers to physical construction projects, like building a house or repairing a road.
obras(noun)
construction
?building or road repair
,works
?roadworks, building site
repairs
?minor maintenance
📝 In Action
La calle está cerrada por obras.
A2The street is closed due to construction (works).
Los trabajadores de las obras empiezan muy temprano.
B1The construction workers start very early.
💡 Grammar Points
It's Always Plural
Even if you only see one piece of construction, in Spanish, you almost always use the plural form 'obras' when talking about building activity.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Obra' and 'Obras'
Mistake: "Using 'Hay obra en la calle' (singular)"
Correction: Use the plural 'Hay obras en la calle' to mean 'There is construction happening.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Signs to Know
Look for the phrase 'Peligro: Obras' on signs, which means 'Danger: Construction Zone' or 'Works in Progress.'
Artistic or literary works (obras) include books, paintings, and sculptures.
obras(noun)
works
?artistic or literary creations
,pieces
?artistic creations
plays
?theatrical works (short for 'obras de teatro')
📝 In Action
Las obras completas del poeta se publicaron el año pasado.
B1The complete works of the poet were published last year.
El museo exhibe obras de arte moderno.
B2The museum exhibits modern art pieces.
💡 Grammar Points
Artistic Plural
When talking about a collection of artistic creations (like books or paintings), 'obras' is the standard way to say 'works' or 'pieces.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Distinguishing the Meanings
The context usually makes it clear: if you are in a museum, it means art; if you are on a road, it means construction.
"Obras" can also mean good deeds or actions that show character.
obras(noun)
deeds
?actions or achievements
,good works
?religious or moral actions
actions
?results of behavior
📝 In Action
Será recordado por sus buenas obras de caridad.
B2He will be remembered for his good deeds of charity.
La fe sin obras es una fe muerta.
C1Faith without works is dead faith. (Biblical context)
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Usage
This meaning of 'obras' is often found in serious discussions about morality, history, or philosophy, referring to the sum of a person's life actions.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: obras
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'obras' in the sense of 'artistic creations'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'obras' plural when I only see one construction site?
In Spanish, 'obras' (construction) is conventionally treated as a plural noun, similar to how we might say 'the repairs' in English, even if only one thing is being fixed. It refers to the overall activity or project.
How is 'obras' different from 'trabajos'?
'Trabajos' usually means 'jobs,' 'tasks,' or 'academic papers.' 'Obras' specifically refers to large-scale physical construction (like roads or buildings) or a collection of creative material (like books or music).