opera
/ˈɔ.pe.ra/feminine
The Italian word for the musical genre opera is opera.
opera is the standard Italian term used to refer to the genre of opera.
Meaning: genre (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word opera literally means work, referring specifically to a piece of work or an artistic work.
How does it change in a sentence?
opera is a feminine noun. Its plural form is opere, used when referring to multiple works.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and the stress is on the first syllable: /ˈɔ.pe.ra/.
Did you know?
- In a religious context, an opera di misericordia is not a musical piece, but a 'work of mercy' or a charitable act.
- While opera means 'work', the Italian word for a physical construction site or a public works project is opera pubblica.
- The English word 'operation' comes from the same root, as both share the Latin origin of describing a 'work' being performed.
Examples in context
- È una fan dell'opera.She's an opera fan.This sentence is useful for describing an opera fan using opera.Tatoeba #7049266 by Guybrush88, translation #2264866 by Hybrid
- È un amante dell'opera.He's an opera lover.This sentence is useful for describing an opera lover using opera.Tatoeba #7042701 by Guybrush88, translation #2264863 by Hybrid
- Io non capisco l'opera.I don't understand opera.This sentence is useful for stating a lack of understanding regarding opera.Tatoeba #7307253 by Guybrush88, translation #2264859 by Hybrid
- 47 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
A couple is discussing their music tastes at home.
- FrancescoTi piace l'opera?Do you like opera?
- MartinaSì, è il mio genere preferito.Yes, it is my favorite genre.
- FrancescoMartina, allora andiamo all'opera stasera?Martina, shall we go to the opera tonight?
- MartinaSì, sarebbe bellissimo!Yes, that would be beautiful!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “opera” translations and entries opera, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries opera, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
