obra maestra
/ˌobɾa maˈestɾa/feminine
The English phrase 'magnum opus' is translated into Spanish as obra maestra.
The term is used to describe a person's greatest work or a masterpiece.
Meaning: masterpiece (noun)
Which one should you use?
While English speakers often use the Latin phrase 'magnum opus' to refer to a creator's greatest work, in Spanish, the more common and natural term is obra maestra. Other formal alternatives include gran obra or obra cumbre, the latter of which specifically refers to a peak or pinnacle work.
How does it change in a sentence?
Obra maestra is a feminine noun. Because of this, the indefinite article for 'a masterpiece' is una obra maestra. To express the plural 'masterpieces', use obras maestras.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌobɾa maˈestɾa/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, calling something an obra maestra is often used ironically to describe a spectacular failure or a total mess.
- While obra maestra refers to a masterpiece, the word obra alone can mean a 'construction site' or 'roadworks' depending on the context.
- The word obra is a 'doublet' of the word ópera, meaning they both share the same Latin root ‘opus’ despite looking different.
Examples in context
- Su última composición musical es considerada su obra maestra.His/her latest musical composition is considered his/her magnum opus.
- El mural que pintó es su gran obra.The mural he/she painted is his/her magnum opus.
- Esta película es su obra cumbre y la más reconocida en su carrera.This film is his/her magnum opus and the most recognized in his/her career.
- ¡Ese libro es una obra maestra!That book is a magnum opus!
- El Quijote es la obra maestra de Cervantes.Don Quixote is Cervantes' masterpiece.
- Esta pintura es su obra maestra.This painting is his masterpiece.
- El arquitecto terminó su obra maestra.The architect finished his masterpiece.
- Es una verdadera obra maestra del cine.It is a true masterpiece of cinema.
Example conversation
María and Mateo are visiting an art museum.
- MaríaMira este cuadro, es una obra maestra.Look at this painting, it is a masterpiece.
- MateoTienes razón, María, es increíble.You are right, María, it is incredible.
- MaríaEs la obra maestra del artista.It is the artist's masterpiece.
- MateoEl color es simplemente perfecto.The color is simply perfect.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “magnum opus” translations and entries obra maestra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries obra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
