obra de teatro
/obɾa de teatɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "theatre play" translates to Spanish as obra de teatro.
Obra de teatro is a common and universally accepted translation for "theatre play". If you are referring to a theatrical production that emphasizes serious or tragic themes, you can use drama.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase obra de teatro literally translates to "work of theatre".
Which one should you use?
While obra can mean "play" on its own in a theatrical context, using obra de teatro is the standard way to specify that you are talking about a dramatic work rather than a work of art or a book.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the phrase plural, you change the noun obra to obras while keeping de teatro unchanged, resulting in obras de teatro.
How do you pronounce it?
/obɾa de teatɾo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, obra is used for a theatrical play, a piece of art, and a construction site. If you see a sign saying obras, it usually means 'roadworks' rather than a theatre festival.
- The word obra is a doublet of the English word 'opera', both descending from the same Latin root 'opus' meaning 'work'.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to refer to the entire acting profession as el teatro rather than just the building or the play.
Examples in context
- Me encanta asistir a una buena obra de teatroI love attending a good theatre play
- Llevé a mi abuela a ver un drama clásico en el teatroI took my grandmother to see a classic drama at the theater
- La representación teatral fue un éxito de crítica y públicoThe theatrical performance was a critical and public success
- Mis hijos están emocionados por participar en una obrita escolarMy children are excited to take part in a little school play
- Voy a ver la última obra de teatro del reconocido directorI'm going to see the latest theatre play by the renowned director
- ¡No puedo esperar a que empiece la representación teatral en el teatro local!I can't wait for the theatrical performance to start at the local theater!
- Vamos a disfrutar de una divertida obrita cómicaLet's enjoy a fun little comedy play
- La obra de teatro es muy larga.The theatre play is very long.
- Compré entradas para una obra de teatro.I bought tickets for a theatre play.
- ¿Te gusta esta obra de teatro?Do you like this theatre play?
Example conversation
Daniel and Lucía are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- Daniel¿Quieres ir al teatro este sábado?Do you want to go to the theatre this Saturday?
- LucíaSí, pero ¿qué obra de teatro hay?Yes, but what theatre play is playing?
- DanielHay una obra de teatro muy famosa.There is a very famous theatre play.
- Lucía¡Perfecto! Vamos a verla.Perfect! Let's go see it.
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.
