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ostra

OHS-trah/ˈostɾa/

oyster

Also: clamshell
NounfA2
A single open oyster shell with a small pearl inside resting on a sandy beach.

📝 In Action

Pedimos una docena de ostras frescas en el restaurante.

A2

We ordered a dozen fresh oysters at the restaurant.

Es difícil encontrar una perla dentro de una ostra.

B1

It is difficult to find a pearl inside an oyster.

Las ostras viven en el fondo del mar.

A1

Oysters live at the bottom of the sea.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • molusco (mollusk)

Common Collocations

  • ostra perlífera – pearl oyster
  • abrir ostras – to shuck oysters
  • ostras frescas – fresh oysters

Idioms & Expressions

  • aburrirse como una ostra – To be bored to tears / extremely bored

Gosh / Wow / Good grief

Also: Darn
InterjectionB1informal
Spain
A person with a surprised expression, hands on their cheeks, with wide eyes.

📝 In Action

¡Ostra! Se me olvidó la cartera en casa.

B1

Gosh! I forgot my wallet at home.

¡Ostra, qué sorpresa verte por aquí!

B1

Wow, what a surprise to see you here!

¡Ostra! Ese coche es rapidísimo.

B2

Wow! That car is really fast.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "ostra" in Spanish:

clamshell→darn→oyster→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: ostra

Question 1 of 3

What does 'aburrirse como una ostra' mean?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
ostrería(oyster bar) — Noun
ostricultor(oyster farmer) — Noun
ostion(large oyster / big blow) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
costaposta
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'ostrea', which refers to the same mollusk. It has been used in Spanish for centuries to describe both the animal and the shell.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: oysterFrench: huîtrePortuguese: ostra

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'ostra' a bad word?

No, it is not. While it is related to a stronger word, 'ostra' is considered family-friendly and safe to use in most informal situations.

Can I use 'ostra' to mean 'wow' in Mexico?

While people will understand you, it sounds very 'Spanish from Spain.' In Mexico, you might hear '¡guau!' or '¡órale!' instead.

Does 'ostra' refer to the shell or the animal?

It refers to both! Just like in English, 'oyster' can mean the creature itself or the shell you find on the beach.