Cobre is a noun.
/kobre/
Cobre refers primarily to the metal copper, which is known for its electrical conductivity, malleability, and ductility. In Spanish, it can also refer to copper in a more general sense, such as when discussing its applications in wiring, construction, or even art.
Frequency of use: The term "cobre" is commonly used in both oral and written contexts, especially in discussions related to science (chemistry, biology), engineering, and commerce.
El cobrador de impuestos revisó las cuentas de los negocios que utilizaban cobre.
The tax collector reviewed the accounts of businesses that used copper.
El eléctrico necesita comprar más cobre para terminar el cableado de la casa.
The electrician needs to buy more copper to finish the wiring of the house.
El artista utilizó un baño de cobre para darle un acabado brillante a la escultura.
The artist used a copper bath to give a shiny finish to the sculpture.
"Cobre" is less frequently used in idiomatic expressions compared to other words. However, there are some relevant terms and phrases where it appears:
Estar en cobre
To be in copper.
Similar to being in debt or owing someone something, this expression isn't heavily used but could imply financial troubles.
Ejemplo: Juan siempre está en cobre con sus amigos porque no les paga lo que les debe.
Example: Juan is always in debt with his friends because he doesn't pay them what he owes.
Pagar en cobre
To pay in copper.
This phrase refers to paying using small coins, often a way to express making a payment in a lesser or more informal way.
Ejemplo: No tengo billetes, así que voy a pagar en cobre.
Example: I don't have bills, so I'm going to pay in coins.
Cobre y oro
Copper and gold.
Often used to discuss different values or qualities of items, implying a comparison between something considered lower quality and higher quality items.
Ejemplo: La empresa trató de vender cobre y oro, pero solo el oro tuvo buena respuesta.
Example: The company tried to sell copper and gold, but only the gold received a good response.
The word cobre comes from the Latin term "cuprum," which originated from the Greek word "kyprios," meaning "of Cyprus," as copper was historically mined there.
In conclusion, cobre is a versatile word in Spanish, frequently used both in everyday speech and professional contexts, particularly in technical fields such as engineering and science.