How to Say "works" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “works” is “trabajos” — use 'trabajos' when referring to pieces of art or literature, similar to 'pieces' or 'creations'..
trabajos
trah-BAH-hos/tɾaˈβa.xos/
Examples
Ella tuvo dos trabajos a la vez para pagar la universidad.
She had two jobs at once to pay for university.
Los trabajos creativos son difíciles de encontrar.
Creative jobs are hard to find.
Always Plural Masculine
Since 'trabajos' is the plural of the masculine noun 'trabajo,' it always uses masculine plural adjectives and articles (e.g., 'los trabajos,' 'muchos trabajos').
Using 'Trabajos' for General 'Work'
Mistake: “Hago muchos trabajos hoy.”
Correction: Hago mucho trabajo hoy. (Use the singular 'trabajo' when referring to the general concept of 'work' or 'labor' without counting specific tasks or jobs.)
funcione
foo-see-OH-neh (Spain) / foo-nsee-OH-neh (Latin America)/funˈθjo.ne/ (Spain) /funˈsjo.ne/ (Latin America)
Examples
Es necesario que el sistema funcione correctamente.
It is necessary that the system works correctly.
Dudo que esta batería funcione bien en el frío.
I doubt that this battery works well in the cold.
¡Que funcione la cafetera!
I hope the coffee machine works!
The Subjunctive Mood
This 'funcione' form is used when the verb expresses uncertainty, emotion, desire, or necessity. English often uses 'that it works' or 'for it to work'.
Formal Command
When giving a polite, formal command to one person ('usted'), 'funcione' is the affirmative command: '¡Funcione ahora!' (Work now!).
Mixing Indicative and Subjunctive
Mistake: “Pienso que el programa funciona.”
Correction: Pienso que el programa funcione. (If you express doubt or desire, you need the 'funcione' form.)
obras
OH-bras/ˈoβɾas/
Examples
La calle está cerrada por obras.
The street is closed due to construction (works).
Los trabajadores de las obras empiezan muy temprano.
The construction workers start very early.
Las obras completas del poeta se publicaron el año pasado.
The complete works of the poet were published last year.
El museo exhibe obras de arte moderno.
The museum exhibits modern art pieces.
It's Always Plural
Even if you only see one piece of construction, in Spanish, you almost always use the plural form 'obras' when talking about building activity.
Artistic Plural
When talking about a collection of artistic creations (like books or paintings), 'obras' is the standard way to say 'works' or 'pieces.'
Confusing 'Obra' and 'Obras'
Mistake: “Using 'Hay obra en la calle' (singular)”
Correction: Use the plural 'Hay obras en la calle' to mean 'There is construction happening.'
mecanismo
/meh-kah-NEES-moh//me.ka.ˈnis.mo/
Examples
El mecanismo del reloj es muy delicado.
The watch's mechanism is very delicate.
No entiendo cómo funciona este mecanismo de apertura.
I don't understand how this opening mechanism works.
Always Masculine
This word is always masculine, so you must always use 'el' or 'un' with it, even if you are talking about a feminine machine.
Machine vs. Mechanism
Mistake: “Using 'mecanismo' when you mean the whole machine.”
Correction: Use 'máquina' for the whole object (like a car) and 'mecanismo' for the internal parts that make it move.
Confusing 'Obras' and 'Trabajos'
Related Translations
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