Inklingo

How to Say "compulsory" in Spanish

English → Spanish

obligado

oh-blee-GAH-doh/oβliˈɣaðo/

AdjectiveA2general
Use 'obligado' when referring to a requirement that is mandatory by law, rule, or social norm, often related to education, civic duties, or safety measures.
A small person reluctantly putting a bright red square block into the only matching square hole on a wooden puzzle board, illustrating a mandatory action.

Examples

El uso del casco es obligatorio para los ciclistas.

Wearing a helmet is mandatory for cyclists.

Una visita al museo del Prado es una parada obligada en Madrid.

A visit to the Prado museum is a required/must-do stop in Madrid.

Si llueve, el plan B es obligado.

If it rains, Plan B is necessary.

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).

forzado

/for-SAH-doh//forˈθaðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use 'forzado' when describing something that has been done under compulsion, duress, or against someone's will, often implying an action that was imposed forcefully.
A small child being gently pulled by the hand toward a plate of vegetables.

Examples

La policía encontró una puerta forzada en el banco.

The police found a door that had been forced open at the bank.

Fue un aterrizaje forzado, pero todos están a salvo.

It was a forced landing, but everyone is safe.

Matching the word it describes

Since this acts as an adjective, remember to change the ending: 'forzada' for feminine things, or 'forzados/forzadas' for plural things.

Forzado vs. Fuerte

Mistake: “Using 'forzado' to mean 'strong'.”

Correction: Use 'fuerte' for strength. 'Forzado' only means that force was applied to something or that it was required.

Obligado vs. Forzado

Learners often confuse 'obligado' and 'forzado' by using 'forzado' for general requirements. Remember that 'obligado' is for things you *must* do by rule (like wear a helmet), while 'forzado' implies something done *against* your will or under pressure.

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