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"Obrero" is a noun which is often translated as "worker", and "operario" is a noun which is also often translated as "worker". Learn more about the difference between "obrero" and "operario" below.
el obrero, la obrera(
oh
-
breh
-
roh
)
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
masculine or feminine noun
a. worker
Los obreros están dispuestos a formar huelga en defensa de sus derechos.The workers are prepared to go on strike to defend their rights.
b. laborer
Regionalism used in the United States
(United States)
Es el gerente de la fábrica quien asigna las tareas a los obreros.It is the factory manager who assigns tasks to laborers.
c. labourer
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
(United Kingdom)
Los obreros tienen que llevar equipos de protección en la obra.The labourers have to wear protective gear at the construction site.
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. working
La clase obrera surgió a raíz de la Revolución Industrial.The working class emerged as a result of the Industrial Revolution.
b. working-class
Vive en un barrio obrero.He lives in a working-class neighborhood.
c. labor
Regionalism used in the United States
(United States)
Los sindicatos obreros y la patronal han llegado finalmente a un acuerdo.Labor unions and employers have finally reached an agreement.
d. labour
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
(United Kingdom)
El movimiento obrero se proponía mejorar las condiciones de vida de los trabajadores.The labour movement set out to improve workers' living conditions.
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el operario, la operaria(
oh
-
peh
-
rah
-
ryoh
)
This means that the noun can be masculine or feminine, depending on the gender of the noun it refers to (e.g., el doctor, la doctora).
masculine or feminine noun
a. worker
Los operarios del ayuntamiento están colocando la nueva estatua en la plaza.The city hall workers are placing the new statue in the square.
b. operative
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
(formal)
La niña cayó al pozo y unos operarios especializados en rescates la sacaron.The girl fell in the well and some specialized rescue operatives retrieved her.
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