Inklingo
Dictionary

sobra

SOH-brahˈso.βɾa

“sobra” means “is left over” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

is left overA2Verb

as in food or supplies

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leftoversB1Noun

food scraps, usually used in plural: 'las sobras'

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is left over, is in excessAlso: is unnecessary

VerbA2regular ar
A single, full bowl of fruit, like apples and oranges, sitting on a counter, implying it is the remaining supply.
infinitivesobrar
gerundsobrando
past Participlesobrado

📝 In Action

Si sobra pastel, lo guardamos para mañana.

A2

If there is cake left over, we'll save it for tomorrow.

No te preocupes, el tiempo nos sobra.

B1

Don't worry, we have plenty of time (time is in excess for us).

Creo que esa silla ya sobra en esta oficina.

B2

I think that chair is unnecessary/extra in this office now.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • sobrar el dinero – to have money to spare
  • sobrar comida – to have leftover food

Idioms & Expressions

  • estar de sobra – to be unnecessary or redundant

leftoversAlso: excess

NounfB1
A clear, rectangular plastic container filled with saved dinner food, such as rice and chicken, sitting inside an open refrigerator.

📝 In Action

¿Puedes empacar las sobras de la cena?

B1

Can you pack up the leftovers from dinner?

No me gusta comer las sobras al día siguiente.

B1

I don't like eating leftovers the next day.

La sobra de tela se puede usar para un parche.

B2

The excess fabric can be used for a patch.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • excedente (surplus)
  • restos (remains, remnants)

Common Collocations

  • comer las sobras – to eat the leftovers
  • la sobra de dinero – the surplus of money

Idioms & Expressions

  • vivir de las sobras – to live off scraps or charity; to live poorly

Indicative

Present

yosobro
túsobras
él/ella/ustedsobra
nosotrossobramos
vosotrossobráis
ellos/ellas/ustedessobran

Imperfect

yosobraba
túsobrabas
él/ella/ustedsobraba
nosotrossobrábamos
vosotrossobrabais
ellos/ellas/ustedessobraban

Preterite

yosobré
túsobraste
él/ella/ustedsobró
nosotrossobramos
vosotrossobrasteis
ellos/ellas/ustedessobraron

Subjunctive

Present Subjunctive

yosobre
túsobres
él/ella/ustedsobre
nosotrossobremos
vosotrossobréis
ellos/ellas/ustedessobren

Imperfect Subjunctive

yosobrara
túsobraras
él/ella/ustedsobrara
nosotrossobráramos
vosotrossobrarais
ellos/ellas/ustedessobraran
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Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "sobra" in Spanish:

excessis unnecessary

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: sobra

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'sobra' as a noun (leftovers)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
sobrar(to be left over) — Verb
sobrante(remaining, surplus) — Adjective
sobrado(plentiful, excessive) — Adjective
🎵 Rhymes
cobraobra
📚 Etymology

Comes from the Latin verb *superare*, meaning 'to be over' or 'to overcome.' In Spanish, it evolved to refer to anything that remains or is in excess after a need has been met.

First recorded: Medieval Latin period

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: sobrarItalian: sopravvanzare

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Frequently Asked Questions

How is 'sobra' different from 'falta'?

'Sobra' means there is too much of something (excess), while 'falta' means there is not enough of something (a lack). They are direct opposites! Example: 'Me sobra comida' (I have too much food) vs. 'Me falta comida' (I need food).

Can I use 'sobra' to mean 'I have plenty'?

Yes, absolutely! The construction 'Me sobra...' is a very natural and common way to express that you have an abundance of something, like time, money, or patience.