otra
/ˈotɾa/
The Spanish word for "encore" is otra.
In a concert setting, Spanish speakers typically shout ¡Otra vez! to call for an encore, which literally means "Another time!" You can also use informal exclamations such as ¡Otra! to mean "Another one!" or ¡Una más! to mean "One more!"
Meaning: a call for a repeat performance (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you may hear the informal phrase otra rolita used to request "another little song" in an encore setting.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈotɾa/
Did you know?
- While English speakers shout 'Encore!', which comes from French, Spanish speakers use a native word. However, in very high-brow opera settings in Spain, you may still hear the French term bis used to request a repetition of a specific aria.
- In some flamenco performances, the call for more is not always ¡Otra!, but may be a shout of ¡Olé! This expresses approval so intense that it serves as a functional request for the artist to continue.
- The Mexican phrase otra rolita uses the word rola, a slang term for 'song' that originated from the action of 'rolling' a record or tape. The diminutive 'ita' is used here to make the request sound more affectionate or pleading.
Examples in context
- ¡Otra vez!Encore!Tatoeba #4163725 by Shishir, translation #7531988 by shekitten
- ¡Queremos otra!We want an encore!
- El público gritó otra.The audience shouted for an encore.
Example conversation
Daniel and María are at a music concert.
- Daniel¡Me encantó esa canción!I loved that song!
- MaríaYo también, ¡pidamos otra!Me too, let's ask for an encore!
- Daniel¡Otra, otra!Encore, encore!
- MaríaMira, ¡el cantante regresó!Look, the singer came back!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry otra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
