obreros
/oh-BREH-rohs/
workers
Obreros often refers to manual or industrial workers.
obreros(noun)
workers
?manual or industrial labor
,laborers
?construction or factory context
blue-collar workers
?sociopolitical context
📝 In Action
Los obreros terminaron la construcción del edificio en seis meses.
A2The workers finished the construction of the building in six months.
La fábrica contrató a cien nuevos obreros para el turno de noche.
B1The factory hired a hundred new laborers for the night shift.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Mixed Group' Rule
Even though this word looks masculine, you use 'obreros' to talk about a group of workers that includes both men and women.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Choosing the right 'Worker'
Mistake: "Using 'obreros' for an office worker."
Correction: Use 'empleados' for office staff. 'Obreros' is specifically for people doing physical, manual work.
⭐ Usage Tips
When to use it
Use this word when you want to emphasize the physical or industrial nature of the job, like building roads or working on assembly lines.
As an adjective, obreros relates to labor movements and organizations.
obreros(adjective)
labor
?describing organizations or movements
,working-class
?describing social status
proletarian
?formal or political context
📝 In Action
Los sindicatos obreros exigen mejores salarios.
B1The labor unions demand better salaries.
Viven en barrios obreros a las afueras de la ciudad.
B2They live in working-class neighborhoods on the outskirts of the city.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
This version of the word must match the thing it's describing. Since 'obreros' is plural and masculine, the thing it describes (like 'sindicatos') must also be plural and masculine.
⭐ Usage Tips
Sociopolitical use
In history books or news, you will see this used as a descriptor for 'unions' (sindicatos) or 'neighborhoods' (barrios).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: obreros
Question 1 of 2
Which of these people would most likely be called an 'obrero'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'obreros' offensive?
No, it is a neutral, standard term. However, in some political contexts, it carries a strong 'working-class' identity.
What is the difference between 'trabajadores' and 'obreros'?
'Trabajadores' is a broad term for anyone with a job. 'Obreros' is more specific to manual labor, factories, and construction.