operária

Operária is a Portuguese word that translates to "female worker" or "workwoman" in English. It specifically refers to a woman who is engaged in manual labor or industrial work, often in a factory or similar setting. The term carries connotations of hard work, often in physically demanding or repetitive tasks.

Historically, the term "operária" was particularly relevant during periods of significant industrialization, when large numbers of women entered the workforce to fill roles in manufacturing and production. Their contributions were crucial to the economic development of many nations, though often accompanied by challenging working conditions and lower wages compared to their male counterparts.

In contemporary usage, "operária" can still be used to describe women in manual labor roles. However, the broader term "trabalhadora" (female worker) is more commonly used to encompass women in all types of employment, regardless of the nature of the work. The specific use of "operária" often implies a connection to industrial or factory environments. The term is also sometimes used metaphorically to describe a woman who is industrious or diligent in any endeavor.