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obrero

oh-BREH-roh/oˈβɾeɾo/

worker

Also: laborer, blue-collar worker
NounmA2
A worker in blue overalls carrying a toolbox and a wrench.

📝 In Action

El obrero lleva un casco de seguridad.

A1

The worker is wearing a safety helmet.

Los obreros de la fábrica piden mejores salarios.

A2

The factory workers are asking for better wages.

Se necesita un obrero especializado para este trabajo.

B2

A skilled laborer is needed for this job.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • trabajador (worker (general))
  • peón (unskilled laborer)
  • operario (operator/worker)

Antonyms

  • patrón (boss/employer)
  • dueño (owner)

Common Collocations

  • obrero de la construcción – construction worker
  • mano de obra – workforce / labor
  • sindicato de obreros – workers' union

working-class

Also: labor
A row of simple, cozy brick houses with laundry lines and bicycles.

📝 In Action

Crecí en un barrio obrero a las afueras de la ciudad.

B1

I grew up in a working-class neighborhood on the outskirts of the city.

El movimiento obrero luchó por la jornada de ocho horas.

B2

The labor movement fought for the eight-hour workday.

Pertenece a una familia de tradición obrera.

C1

They belong to a family with a working-class tradition.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • proletario (proletarian)
  • popular (working-class/of the people)

Antonyms

  • burgués (bourgeois/middle-class)
  • aristocrático (aristocratic)

Common Collocations

  • clase obrera – working class
  • movimiento obrero – labor movement
  • barrio obrero – working-class neighborhood

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "obrero" in Spanish:

blue-collar worker→labor→laborer→worker→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: obrero

Question 1 of 3

Which of these people is most likely to be called an 'obrero'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
obra(work/construction project) — Noun
obrar(to act or to work on) — Verb
obrador(workshop/bakery) — Noun
obrera(female worker) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'operarius,' meaning someone who performs labor or work. This comes from 'opus' (meaning 'work' or 'deed'), which is also the root of English words like 'opera' and 'operate.'

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: ouvrierPortuguese: operárioEnglish: operator

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'obrero' offensive?

No, it is a standard and neutral term. In fact, it is often used with pride in labor movements and political contexts.

What is the difference between 'obrero' and 'trabajador'?

'Trabajador' is a general word for anyone who works (including doctors, CEOs, etc.). 'Obrero' is specific to manual or industrial labor.

Can 'obrero' be used for animals?

Yes! Specifically for insects. An 'abeja obrera' is a 'worker bee' and 'hormiga obrera' is a 'worker ant.'