obras viales
/obɾas bjales/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'roadworks' is translated into Spanish as obras viales.
The phrase refers to construction or repair work being performed on a road or highway.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase obras viales is composed of obras (works or constructions) and viales (relating to roads or ways).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, the term obras en las rutas is used to refer to roadworks.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form obra vial can be used to refer to a single specific construction project or site.
Did you know?
- The word obras is also the plural form of obra, which is the same word used for a 'work of art' or a 'literary work'. In a certain context, 'roadworks' could linguistically be seen as 'road works'.
- The word obras is used in the phrase ponerse manos a la obra, which means to start working on a task, regardless of whether it involves construction.
- While obras viales is the formal term, drivers in Spain often complain about cortes de carretera, which refers to the road closures caused by the works rather than the works themselves.
Examples in context
- ¿Hay obras en la carretera?Are there roadworks?
- Vas a tener que tomar otro camino por las obras en la calle.You will have to take a different route due to roadworks on the street.
- Estos trabajos viales siempre provocan retrasos en el tráfico.These roadworks always cause traffic delays.
- No te olvides de las obras en la carretera, estate atento al desvío.Don't forget about the roadworks, be aware of the detour.
- Hay obras viales en la avenida principal.There are roadworks on the main avenue.
- Las obras viales causan mucho tráfico hoy.The roadworks are causing a lot of traffic today.
- Debes evitar la zona por las obras viales.You should avoid the area due to the roadworks.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are driving to a meeting.
- AlejandroEl tráfico está muy lento aquí.The traffic is very slow here.
- SofíaMira, hay obras viales más adelante.Look, there are roadworks further ahead.
- Alejandro¿Podemos ir por otra calle?Can we go through another street?
- SofíaSí, giraré en la próxima esquina.Yes, I will turn at the next corner.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
