obligar
“obligar” means “to force” in Spanish (making someone do something they might not want to do).
to force
Also: to compel, to obligate
📝 In Action
Mis padres me obligan a limpiar mi habitación todos los sábados.
A2My parents force me to clean my room every Saturday.
La lluvia nos obligó a quedarnos en casa.
B1The rain forced us to stay at home.
El contrato te obliga a trabajar cuarenta horas por semana.
B2The contract requires you to work forty hours per week.
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Indicative
Present
Preterite
Imperfect
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: obligar
Question 1 of 3
Which is the correct way to say 'He forced me to study'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'obligare', which means 'to tie' or 'to bind'. It comes from 'ob' (towards) and 'ligare' (to tie, like the word 'ligament').
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'obligar' always negative?
Not necessarily, but it implies a lack of choice. While it can mean someone is being mean, it also describes legal requirements or moral duties that aren't bad.
What's the difference between 'obligar' and 'forzar'?
'Forzar' often implies physical strength or a very extreme lack of choice. 'Obligar' is more common for rules, social pressure, or family expectations.
Can 'obligar' be used for making someone laugh or cry?
No. In English, we say 'He made me cry,' but in Spanish, you use the verb 'hacer' (hacer llorar). 'Obligar' would imply you physically forced them to shed tears against their will!