mano de obra general
/mano de obɾa xeneɾal/from spelling rules
General labor in Spanish is mano de obra general.
The term mano de obra general is used in professional and industrial contexts to describe manual labor that does not require specialized skills. While mano de obra general describes the specific type of labor, the phrase mano de obra is the standard noun used to refer to the workforce or labor itself.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase mano de obra literally translates to hand of work, which is the standard Spanish way to say labor or workforce.
Which one should you use?
Mano de obra general specifically identifies the nature of the labor as being general. In contrast, mano de obra refers more broadly to the workforce or the labor itself.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the formal term trabajo de índole general is used for general labor. In Mexico, the term trabajo no calificado is used to describe general labor.
How do you pronounce it?
/mano de obɾa xeneɾal/
Did you know?
- The word obra in the phrase is a doublet of the English word 'opera'. Both words trace back to the same Latin root, 'opus', meaning 'work'.
- In some Latin American countries, the term peón is used for a general laborer, originating from the word for a 'foot soldier'.
- While mano de obra means 'workforce', the word obra on its own is the standard term for a 'construction site' in Spanish.
Examples in context
- Necesitamos contratar personal para trabajo general en nuestra fábrica.We need to hire personnel for general labor in our factory.
- La empresa necesita mano de obra general.The company needs general labor.
- El presupuesto incluye mano de obra general.The budget includes general labor.
- Buscan mano de obra general para la construcción.They are looking for general labor for the construction.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are discussing hiring needs for a project.
- LucíaDaniel, ¿buscas mano de obra general para el lunes?Daniel, are you looking for general labor for Monday?
- DanielSí, necesito a dos personas para mover materiales.Yes, I need two people to move materials.
- LucíaPuedo recomendarte a algunos trabajadores fuertes.I can recommend some strong workers to you.
- DanielEso sería genial, Lucía, gracias por la ayuda.That would be great, Lucía, thanks for the help.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, general, mano, obra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
