obrar

to act

verb oh-BRAHR Rare

Origin: From Latin operare, to work.

Also means

to work (medicine/law)

Usage Note

Obrar is a formal or literary verb meaning to act, to do, or to be in one's possession (obra en mi poder = it is in my possession). In legal language obrar en autos means 'to be on file'. It can also mean for a remedy to take effect (el medicamento obró rápido). In everyday speech actuar or hacer are far more common.

Examples

"Debemos obrar con honestidad siempre."

Natural Translation

We must always act with honesty.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

Tener in Spanish: Why You're Hungry, Cold & 30 Years

In Spanish you HAVE hunger, cold, and 30 years — not are them. Master tener expressions like tengo hambre, tengo frío, and tengo 30 años in one rule.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

SpanishNow

Por vs Para in Spanish: One Mental Model, No Acronyms

Por looks backward at cause and path; para looks forward at goal and destination. Master por vs para in Spanish with one mental model — no acronyms needed.

June 3, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Reflexive Verbs: Me, Te, Se Made Clear

Spanish reflexive verbs use me, te, se for actions you do to yourself. Master the daily-routine pattern, pronoun placement, and shifts like dormir vs dormirse.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Object Pronouns: Lo, La, Le & Se Made Simple

Use lo/la for the direct object and le for the indirect — and le becomes se before lo/la. Master Spanish object pronouns with one simple verb test.

June 9, 2026 6 min read