sobra
/SOH-brah/
is left over
A bowl of fruit that "is left over" (sobra) after others have been consumed.
sobra(Verb)
is left over
?as in food or supplies
,is in excess
?as in having too much of something
is unnecessary
?as in a comment or action
📝 In Action
Si sobra pastel, lo guardamos para mañana.
A2If there is cake left over, we'll save it for tomorrow.
No te preocupes, el tiempo nos sobra.
B1Don't worry, we have plenty of time (time is in excess for us).
Creo que esa silla ya sobra en esta oficina.
B2I think that chair is unnecessary/extra in this office now.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Sobra' like 'Gustar'
Like 'gustar' (to like), 'sobrar' often uses indirect object pronouns (me, te, le, nos, les) to show who has the excess. Example: 'Me sobra café' means 'I have too much coffee.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Direct Translation Error
Mistake: "Saying 'Yo sobro dinero' (I am left over money)."
Correction: The subject is the thing that is left over, not the person. Say 'Me sobra dinero' (Money is left over for me).
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on the Subject
Remember the subject of 'sobrar' is always the thing that is in excess (e.g., 'El tiempo sobra' - Time is in excess), not the person who possesses it.
The saved food scraps are the "leftovers" (las sobras).
sobra(Noun)
leftovers
?food scraps, usually used in plural: 'las sobras'
excess
?general surplus or remainder
📝 In Action
¿Puedes empacar las sobras de la cena?
B1Can you pack up the leftovers from dinner?
No me gusta comer las sobras al día siguiente.
B1I don't like eating leftovers the next day.
La sobra de tela se puede usar para un parche.
B2The excess fabric can be used for a patch.
💡 Grammar Points
Plural Form is Standard
When talking about leftover food, you almost always use the plural form: 'las sobras' (the leftovers), even if it's just a small amount.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: sobra
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'sobra' as a noun (leftovers)?
📚 More Resources
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.