obliga
oh-BLEE-gah
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Mi jefe me obliga a trabajar los sábados.
A2My boss forces me to work on Saturdays.
La ley obliga a llevar el cinturón de seguridad.
A2The law requires wearing a seatbelt.
¡Obliga a los niños a recoger sus juguetes!
B1Force the children to pick up their toys!
💡 Grammar Points
The Magic 'a'
In Spanish, the word 'obliga' almost always needs the little word 'a' before you say the action that is being forced. Example: 'Me obliga A comer' (He forces me to eat).
Two Roles for 'Obliga'
This word works double duty! It can mean 'he/she/it forces' (a statement) OR it can be a command to someone you know well: 'Force them!'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the 'a'
Mistake: "Él me obliga leer."
Correction: Él me obliga A leer.
⭐ Usage Tips
Polite vs. Harsh
Using 'obliga' can sound a bit strong. If you want to say you have to do something but don't want to sound like a victim, you might use 'tengo que' (I have to) instead.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: obliga
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence means 'The contract requires me to pay'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'obliga' and 'debe'?
'Obliga' implies an external force or law is making the action happen. 'Debe' is more like 'should' or 'ought to'—it's a duty but doesn't sound as forceful.