obra de teatro
/obɾa de teatɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "theater play" is translated into Spanish as obra de teatro.
Obra de teatro is a common and neutral phrase used to describe a dramatic work written to be performed by actors on a stage. You can also use drama to refer to a theatrical work, or representación and función to refer to a performance or a specific play.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of obra (work or piece), de (of) and teatro (theater), literally meaning "work of theater".
Which one should you use?
While the word obra alone can mean any type of work, such as a work of art or literature, adding de teatro specifies that you are talking about a theatrical play.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, obra dramática may be used as a synonym for a theater play. In Spain, the phrase función de teatro is commonly used to translate the concept of a theater play.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, you pluralize the noun obra to obras while keeping the rest of the phrase unchanged, resulting in obras de teatro.
How do you pronounce it?
/obɾa de teatɾo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, if you say estoy en una obra, you might be at a theater play or a construction site. Obra is the standard word for both a creative work and a building project.
- The word obra is a linguistic doublet of ópera. Both words share the same Latin ancestor, 'opus', meaning 'work'.
- In Spanish, the term obra is used for a play regardless of whether it is a tragedy or a comedy. English uses 'play' similarly, but Spanish rarely uses drama to describe a comedy.
Examples in context
- No conozco la obra de teatro, pero sí conozco bien al autor.I don't know the theater play, but I know the author well.This sentence illustrates how to use obra de teatro when discussing familiarity with a play and its author.Tatoeba #855444 by Pablete, translation #827116 by sacredceltic
- Me encantaría ver una buena obra de teatro este fin de semana.I would love to see a good theater play this weekend.
- Los dramas de Shakespeare son obras teatrales icónicas.Shakespeare's dramas are iconic theater plays.
- Mi sobrina participará en una obrita escolar mañana.My niece will take part in a school theater play tomorrow.
- La función de teatro que vimos anoche fue increíble.The theater play we saw last night was incredible.
- Las representaciones teatrales son una forma de expresión artística única.Theater plays are a unique form of artistic expression.
- Recomiéndame una buena obra de teatro para ver este fin de semana.Recommend me a good theater play to see this weekend.
- ¿Sabías que la última función de teatro fue un éxito rotundo?Did you know the last theater play was a huge success?
- En la próxima representación, nuestro hijo interpretará un papel principal.In the next performance, our son will play a leading role.
- La obra de teatro es muy emocionante.The theater play is very exciting.
- Compré boletos para la obra de teatro.I bought tickets for the theater play.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- Elena¿Quieres ir a ver una obra de teatro?Do you want to go see a theater play?
- JavierSí, me encantaría acompañarte, Elena.Yes, I would love to go with you, Elena.
- ElenaLa obra de teatro empieza a las ocho.The theater play starts at eight.
- JavierPerfecto, allí estaré.Perfect, I will be there.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, obra, teatro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
