obra de arte
/ˌobɾa de ˈaɾte/feminine
The English phrase 'artwork' is translated into Spanish as obra de arte. Wiktionary also lists obra and obra artística.
Meaning: painting, drawing, sculpture or other piece of creative, visual art (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| obra de arte | /ˌobɾa de ˈaɾte/ | feminine |
| obra | /ˈobɾa/ | feminine |
| obra artística | /obɾa aɾtistika/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| obra pictórica | /obɾa piɡtoɾika/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| obra creativa | /obɾa kɾeatiba/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
The term refers to a painting, drawing, sculpture or other piece of creative, visual art. If you wish to specify that an artwork is a masterpiece, use the phrase obra maestra.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase obra de arte literally translates to 'work of art'.
Which one should you use?
The word obra can mean 'artwork', but it is also commonly used to refer to a construction site or a large-scale building project. Other more specific forms include obra artística, obra pictórica and obra creativa.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term obra de arte is often shortened to obra.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make obra de arte plural, you change obra to obras while keeping de arte the same.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌobɾa de ˈaɾte/
Did you know?
- The word obra shares its roots with the English word 'opera'. Both stem from the Latin 'opus', meaning 'work'.
- In Spanish, the phrase mano de obra refers to 'labor' or 'manpower'. While obra means 'artwork', in this context it refers to the physical work performed by humans.
- When referring to a literary work like a novel or a play, Spanish uses obra regardless of whether it is a visual 'artwork'.
Examples in context
- El museo exhibe una impresionante colección de obras de arte.The museum exhibits an impressive collection of artworks.
- ¡Me encanta el arte de Frida Kahlo! Sus creaciones son fascinantes.I love Frida Kahlo's art! Her creations are fascinating.
- Esa escultura es una obra de arte impresionante.That sculpture is an impressive piece of art.
- Esa obra de arte es impresionante.That artwork is impressive.
- El museo tiene una nueva obra de arte.The museum has a new piece of artwork.
- No tocamos la obra de arte.We do not touch the artwork.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are visiting an art gallery.
- María¿Qué te parece esta obra de arte, Daniel?What do you think of this artwork, Daniel?
- DanielEs una obra de arte muy hermosa, María.It is a very beautiful piece of artwork, María.
- MaríaCreo que es la mejor de la sala.I think it is the best one in the room.
- DanielEstoy de acuerdo contigo.I agree with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “artwork” translations and entries obra de arte, obra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries arte, de, obra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
