obras
“obras” means “construction” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
construction, works
Also: repairs
📝 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.
works, pieces
Also: plays
📝 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.
deeds, good works
Also: actions
📝 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)
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: obras
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'obras' in the sense of 'artistic creations'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *opera*, meaning 'work,' 'effort,' or 'labor.' This root is also the source of the English word 'opera' (a musical work) and is related to 'operation.'
First recorded: 13th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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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).