Trabajador vs. obrero
The terms 'trabajador' and 'obrero' are both Spanish words that are commonly translated to 'worker' in English. While they can often be used interchangeably, there are specific contexts where one would be more appropriate than the other.
Trabajador
The term 'trabajador' is a more general noun that can refer to any worker, regardless of sector or industry. It can be literally translated as 'worker' but is also commonly used to mean 'employee'.
Mi padre es un trabajador del gobierno.
(My father is a government worker.)
Los trabajadores de la fabrica hacen largas horas.
(The factory workers work long hours.)
Todos los trabajadores deben recibir su pago a tiempo.
(All workers should receive their pay on time.)
Obrero
'Obrero', while also translating to 'worker', typically has a more specific connotation. 'Obrero' often refers specifically to manual or industrial labourers - such as construction workers, factory workers, etc.
El obrero construye casas.
(The labourer builds houses.)
Los obreros trabajan en la fábrica de coches.
(The workers are employed in the car factory.)
"Día del Obrero" es una celebración de los trabajadores manuales.
('Labour Day' is a celebration of manual workers.)
Summary
'Trabajador' and 'obrero' both translate to 'worker', with the former being used more generally and the latter usually referring specifically to manual or industrial labourers. These terms provide an insight into the diverse nature of work and employment in Spanish-speaking societies.