Inklingo
Dictionary

ópera

OH-peh-rahˈopeɾa

“ópera” means “opera” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:

operaA1Noun

the musical art form or performance

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opera houseB1Noun

the building

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dramaB2Noun

melodramatic situation

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operaAlso: operatic work

NounfA1
A colorful illustration of a woman in an elaborate gown singing dramatically on a dark stage, representing an opera performance.

📝 In Action

Mi abuela siempre escucha ópera italiana en la radio.

A1

My grandmother always listens to Italian opera on the radio.

Vamos a ver una ópera de Mozart este fin de semana.

A2

We are going to see a Mozart opera this weekend.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • drama musical (musical drama)

Common Collocations

  • ir a la ópera – to go to the opera
  • cantar ópera – to sing opera

opera houseAlso: theater

NounfB1
A colorful illustration showing the ornate exterior of a grand, classical building with columns, representing an opera house.

📝 In Action

La ópera de Sídney es un edificio muy famoso.

B1

The Sydney Opera House is a very famous building.

Nos encontramos en la entrada de la ópera a las siete.

B1

We will meet at the entrance of the opera house at seven.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • teatro de ópera (opera theater)

dramaAlso: tragedy

NounfB2informal
A colorful illustration depicting a highly exaggerated, melodramatic scene where one figure is dramatically weeping into the lap of another figure.

📝 In Action

¡Qué ópera! Llevamos tres horas discutiendo por algo tan simple.

B2

What a drama! We have been arguing for three hours over something so simple.

Su vida amorosa es una ópera constante: rupturas, reconciliaciones, y gritos.

C1

His love life is a constant opera: breakups, reconciliations, and shouting.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • drama (drama)
  • lío (mess/trouble)

Common Collocations

  • hacer una ópera – to make a big drama/fuss

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "ópera" in Spanish:

operaopera houseoperatic work

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: ópera

Question 1 of 2

¿Cuál es el significado más común de 'ópera'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
operístico(operatic) — Adjective
opereta(operetta (light opera)) — Noun
cantar(to sing) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes
cáscarapólvora
📚 Etymology

Borrowed from Italian 'opera' (meaning 'work' or 'piece'), which itself comes from the Latin word 'opus' (meaning 'work'). It was first used to describe the new art form that combined music, drama, and theater.

First recorded: 17th century (in Spanish usage)

Cognates (Related words)

Italian: operaEnglish: opera

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Frequently Asked Questions

¿Es 'ópera' masculino o femenino?

'Ópera' is always feminine. You must use the feminine article 'la': 'la ópera' (the opera). Remember this, even though it starts with a stressed 'o' sound.

¿Cómo se dice 'soap opera' en español?

The most common word for a TV soap opera is 'telenovela'. Sometimes the term 'ópera jabón' (a literal translation) is used humorously, but 'telenovela' is the correct term for television dramas.