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prosa

PRO-sah/ˈpɾosa/

“prosa” means “prose” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

prose

Also: plain writing
NounfB1
An open book on a wooden table showing pages filled with regular paragraphs of text.

📝 In Action

Este libro está escrito completamente en prosa.

A2

This book is written entirely in prose.

La prosa del autor es muy clara y fácil de entender.

B1

The author's prose is very clear and easy to understand.

A veces es difícil distinguir entre la prosa poética y el verso.

C1

Sometimes it is difficult to distinguish between poetic prose and verse.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • verso (verse)
  • poesía (poetry)

Common Collocations

  • prosa fluida – smooth prose
  • obra en prosa – work in prose
  • prosa elegante – elegant prose

Idioms & Expressions

  • en prosa – expressed in a normal, non-poetic way

gift of gab

Also: chattiness
NounfB2informal
SpainLatin America
A friendly person standing on a small wooden crate, gesturing expressively while a small group of people listens intently.

📝 In Action

Ese vendedor tiene mucha prosa; te convence de cualquier cosa.

B2

That salesman has a real gift of gab; he convinces you of anything.

No dejes que te engañe con su prosa.

B2

Don't let him trick you with his smooth talk.

Tiene una prosa increíble para contar historias.

C1

He has an incredible way with words for telling stories.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • labia (gift of gab)
  • elocuencia (eloquence)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • tener mucha prosa – to have a gift of gab
  • soltar una prosa – to go on a long talk

Idioms & Expressions

  • tener mucha prosa – to be very talkative or a smooth talker

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "prosa" in Spanish:

chattiness→plain writing→prose→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: prosa

Question 1 of 3

What is the primary literary meaning of 'prosa'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
prosaico(prosaic/ordinary) — Adjective
prosista(prose writer) — Noun
prosadura(the act of writing prose) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'prosa', which came from the phrase 'prorsa oratio', meaning 'straightforward or direct speech'—speech that doesn't bend into the rhythmic patterns of poetry.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: proseFrench: proseItalian: prosa

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'prosa' always a positive thing?

In literature, it's neutral. In conversation ('tener mucha prosa'), it can be a compliment for a good storyteller or a warning that someone is trying to trick you with smooth talk.

How do I say 'prose' vs 'poetry' in Spanish?

You say 'prosa' and 'poesía' (or 'verso').

Can I use 'prosa' to mean 'pro' (professional)?

No. In Spanish, 'prosa' only refers to writing or talking. For 'professional,' use 'profesional' or the short form 'pro' (e.g., 'es un pro').