obra-prima
/ˌɔ.bɾɐˈpɾĩ.mɐ/
The English phrase 'masterpiece' is translated into Portuguese as obra-prima.
A masterpiece refers to an outstanding piece of work.
Meaning: An outstanding piece of work (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The compound noun obra-prima comes from obra, meaning 'work' and prima, meaning 'prime' or 'first'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The term obra-prima is used in Brazilian Portuguese.
How does it change in a sentence?
obra-prima is a feminine noun. Because of this, it must be preceded by feminine articles or adjectives, such as uma (a/an) or esta (this). To form the plural, both the noun and the adjective are pluralized to create obras-primas.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of obra-prima is /ˌɔ.bɾɐˈpɾĩ.mɐ/. It has four syllables, with the stress on the third syllable.
Did you know?
- In Portuguese, the word prima in obra-prima is the feminine form of primo, which is the standard word for 'cousin'.
- To describe someone with an incredible natural gift or beauty, Portuguese speakers call them a obra-prima da natureza.
- The same word used for a masterpiece, obra, is used to describe the physical process of building, such as 'the works' on a road.
Examples in context
- Este filme é uma obra-prima.This film is a masterpiece.This sentence is useful for describing a film using obra-prima.Tatoeba #1418504 by alexmarcelo, translation #2717925 by CM
- Não é uma obra-prima, é um erro.It's not a masterpiece. It's a mistake.This sentence uses obra-prima to contrast a masterpiece with a mistake.Tatoeba #10790035 by bill, translation #10790034 by DJ_Saidez
- Esta é uma verdadeira obra-prima.This is a true masterpiece.This sentence shows how to use obra-prima to describe something as a true masterpiece.Tatoeba #5890543 by ianna, translation #5881880 by mailohilohi
- O quadro "Mona Lisa" de Leonardo da Vinci é uma verdadeira obra-prima.The painting "Mona Lisa" by Leonardo da Vinci is a true masterpiece.
- "Guernica", de Pablo Picasso, é uma peça magistral do movimento cubista."Guernica", by Pablo Picasso, is a masterful piece of Cubist movement.
- Você já viu o novo filme do Scorsese? É uma obra de arte incrível!Have you seen Scorsese's new movie? It's an incredible work of art!
- O filme "Cidade de Deus" é uma verdadeira pérola do cinema brasileiro.The movie "City of God" is a true pearl of Brazilian cinema.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At an art gallery.
- MarianaVocê acha que esta obra-prima é real?Do you think this masterpiece is real?
- GabrielSim, Mariana, ela é muito famosa.Yes, Mariana, it is very famous.
- MarianaGabriel, o detalhe é impressionante.Gabriel, the detail is impressive.
- GabrielEu concordo totalmente com você.I totally agree with you.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry obra-prima, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
