Inklingo
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obligaciones

/oh-blee-gah-SYOH-nehs/

duties

A person watering a small garden and sweeping a path.

The image of a person performing daily chores illustrates the concept of 'obligaciones' as duties or tasks one is required to do.

obligaciones(noun)

fA2

duties

?

things one is required to do

,

responsibilities

?

tasks or jobs you are in charge of

Also:

obligations

?

legal or moral requirements

📝 In Action

Tengo muchas obligaciones en mi nuevo trabajo.

A2

I have many duties in my new job.

Es nuestra obligación cuidar el medio ambiente.

B1

It is our duty to take care of the environment.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • derechos (rights)
  • libertades (freedoms)

Common Collocations

  • cumplir con las obligaciones – to fulfill one's duties
  • obligaciones familiares – family responsibilities

💡 Grammar Points

Gender and Number

This word is always feminine. Because it ends in 'es', you use 'las' before it: 'las obligaciones'.

The Disappearing Accent

The singular version (obligación) has a little accent mark over the 'o', but when you make it more than one (obligaciones), that mark disappears.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Spelling Alert

Mistake: "Writing 'obligaciónes' with an accent."

Correction: Write 'obligaciones' without the accent. In Spanish, when words ending in '-ción' become plural, they lose the accent mark.

⭐ Usage Tips

Duties vs. Homework

While 'obligaciones' refers to general life responsibilities, use 'deberes' specifically when talking about school homework.

A stack of coins and a small leather pouch on a wooden table.

The stack of coins represents 'obligaciones' in a financial sense, referring to liabilities or debts.

obligaciones(noun)

fB2

liabilities

?

financial debts or legal bonds

,

bonds

?

investment instruments

Also:

debentures

?

fixed-interest stock/debt

📝 In Action

La empresa emitió obligaciones para obtener capital.

B2

The company issued bonds to raise capital.

Debemos revisar las obligaciones financieras del contrato.

C1

We must review the financial liabilities of the contract.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • bonos (bonds)
  • deudas (debts)
  • pasivos (liabilities)

Common Collocations

  • obligaciones fiscales – tax obligations
  • emisión de obligaciones – issuance of bonds

⭐ Usage Tips

Business Context

If you are reading a financial report, this word almost always means 'debts' or 'investment bonds' rather than personal chores.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: obligaciones

Question 1 of 2

Which of the following is the best translation for 'tengo muchas obligaciones' in a casual conversation?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

obligar(to force/oblige) - verb
obligatorio(mandatory) - adjective
obligado(forced/obliged) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'obligaciones' used for school homework?

While it technically works, 'deberes' or 'tareas' are much more common for school assignments. 'Obligaciones' sounds more like serious life or work responsibilities.

Can it be masculine?

No, it is always a feminine word. You should always use 'las' or 'unas' with it.