obligado
/oh-blee-GAH-doh/
required
When something is obligado, it is required or mandatory.
obligado(Adjective)
required
?something that must be done
,mandatory
?a rule or policy
compulsory
?education, service
,necessary
?a vital step
📝 In Action
El uso del casco es obligatorio para los ciclistas.
A2Wearing a helmet is mandatory for cyclists.
Una visita al museo del Prado es una parada obligada en Madrid.
B1A visit to the Prado museum is a required/must-do stop in Madrid.
Si llueve, el plan B es obligado.
B1If it rains, Plan B is necessary.
💡 Grammar Points
Agreement is Key
Since 'obligado' is an adjective, make sure its ending matches the thing it describes: 'la tarea obligada' (the required task, feminine) or 'los documentos obligados' (the required documents, plural).
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'Ser'
Use the verb 'ser' (to be) with 'obligado' to state a permanent or general requirement: 'Es obligatorio llevar identificación' (It is mandatory to carry ID).
To feel obligado means feeling indebted or thankful for a favor received.
obligado(Adjective)
indebted
?feeling thankful for a favor
,obliged
?formal expression of gratitude
grateful
?deeply thankful
📝 In Action
Le estoy muy obligado por su ayuda desinteresada.
B2I am very indebted to you for your selfless help.
Me sentiré obligado a devolverle el favor.
C1I will feel obliged to return the favor to you.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Estar' for Obligation
Use the verb 'estar' (to be, temporary state) with 'obligado' to express a personal feeling of gratitude or debt: 'Estoy obligado' means 'I feel indebted,' not necessarily 'I must do this task.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Gender Mismatch
Mistake: "If a woman is speaking, she must say 'estoy obligada' (feminine ending), not 'estoy obligado.'"
Correction: Remember that this adjective must match the speaker's gender when used personally.
When used as a past participle, obligado means obliged, referring to an obligation that has been completed.
obligado(Past Participle)
obliged
?when used with 'haber' to form perfect tenses
forced
?in passive constructions
📝 In Action
El jefe nos ha obligado a trabajar horas extras.
B1The boss has obliged us to work overtime.
Fue obligado a firmar el contrato.
B2He was forced to sign the contract.
💡 Grammar Points
Forming Perfect Tenses
This form ('obligado') combines with the verb 'haber' (to have) to create perfect tenses, which talk about actions completed in the past: 'Hemos obligado' (We have obliged).
The Passive Voice
It also works with the verb 'ser' (to be) to show that someone received the action: 'Ella fue obligada' (She was forced/obliged).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Estar' instead of 'Haber'
Mistake: "Do not use 'estar' to form perfect tenses. The structure is always 'Haber' + Past Participle."
Correction: Say 'Hemos obligado' (We have obliged), never 'Estamos obligado'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: obligado
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'obligado' to express gratitude or thankfulness?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'obligado' and 'obligación'?
'Obligado' is an adjective meaning 'required' or 'forced' (like 'mandatory'). 'Obligación' is the noun, meaning 'obligation' or 'duty' (the thing you must do). For example, 'Es un requisito obligado' (It is a required requirement) versus 'Es una obligación legal' (It is a legal obligation).
Why does 'obligado' sometimes mean 'thank you' in Portuguese ('obrigado') but not in Spanish?
While both words come from the same Latin root meaning 'bound,' Portuguese speakers use 'Obrigado' (I am obliged/indebted) as their standard way to say 'thank you.' In Spanish, this meaning is restricted to formal situations where you are expressing deep indebtedness ('Estoy obligado'), but 'Gracias' is the standard word for 'thank you.'