obra maestra
/ˌobɾa maˈestɾa/
The English word masterpiece is translated into Spanish as obra maestra.
obra maestra refers to an outstanding piece of work. It can be used literally to describe works of art, or figuratively to describe a highly effective or clever action, such as a plan.
Meaning: An outstanding piece of work (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To form the plural, you must pluralize both the noun and the adjective, resulting in obras maestras.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌobɾa maˈestɾa/
Did you know?
- The word obra shares the same Latin root as the English word 'opera', meaning both stems from the word for 'work'.
- In some contexts, obra can refer to a specific act of charity or a good deed, such as in the phrase obras de caridad.
- In certain contexts, particularly in construction, obra refers to a physical building site or a construction project rather than a creative work.
Examples in context
- Es una obra maestra.This is a masterpiece.This sentence shows how to identify a masterpiece.Tatoeba #7457465 by Masatami, translation #5881879 by mailohilohi
- El plan era una obra maestra del fraude.The plan was a masterpiece of fraud.This sentence demonstrates using the term figuratively to describe a plan.Tatoeba #1854720 by marcelostockle, translation #48519 by Dejo
- Esta pintura de Rembrandt es una obra maestra.This painting by Rembrandt is a masterpiece.This sentence provides a literal example involving a painting.Tatoeba #1713035 by marcelostockle, translation #816902 by CM
- La pintura de Frida Kahlo es una obra maestra.Frida Kahlo's painting is a masterpiece.
- Este libro es una joya de la literatura.This book is a literary masterpiece.
- La película 'El Laberinto del Fauno' es una obra maestra del cine.The movie 'Pan's Labyrinth' is a cinematic masterpiece.
- El Taj Mahal es una maravilla arquitectónica digna de ser llamada una obra maestra.The Taj Mahal is an architectural marvel worthy of being called a masterpiece.
- Este ensayo es una pieza maestra de la literatura académica.This essay is a masterful piece of academic literature.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are visiting an art museum.
- ElenaMira este cuadro, Javier. Es una obra maestra.Look at this painting, Javier. It is a masterpiece.
- JavierTienes razón, los colores son increíbles.You are right, the colors are incredible.
- ElenaCreo que es la obra maestra del artista.I think it is the artist's masterpiece.
- JavierDefinitivamente es su mejor trabajo.It is definitely his best work.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry obra maestra, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries obra, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
