Inklingo

How to Say "compulsory" in Spanish

English → Spanish

obligatorio

oh-blee-gah-toh-ryohoβliɣaˈtoɾjo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'obligatorio' when something is a general requirement, rule, or law, especially for things like school subjects, military service, or public safety measures.
A child wearing a bright orange life jacket while sitting in a small boat.

Examples

El uso del casco es obligatorio para montar en bicicleta.

The use of a helmet is mandatory for riding a bicycle.

Matemáticas es una asignatura obligatoria este año.

Math is a required subject this year.

No es una sugerencia, es un paso obligatorio del proceso.

It's not a suggestion; it's a mandatory step in the process.

Matching the Ending

Since this is a describing word (adjective), the ending changes to 'obligatoria' if you are describing a feminine word like 'la tarea' (the homework).

Word Order

In Spanish, you usually place this word after the thing you are describing, such as 'un curso obligatorio' (a mandatory course).

Using 'obligado' instead

Mistake: “Es obligado llevar casco.”

Correction: Es obligatorio llevar casco.

obligado

oh-blee-GAH-dohoβliˈɣaðo

adjectiveA2general
Use 'obligado' when referring to a personal obligation or duty, often in the context of education or service where an individual is compelled to participate.
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 uniforme es obligatorio para todos los estudiantes.

The uniform is compulsory for all students.

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-dohforˈθaðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'forzado' specifically when an action is done under duress or against someone's will, implying a lack of choice and often a forceful or violent imposition.
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.

Obligatorio vs. Obligado

Learners often confuse 'obligatorio' and 'obligado'. While similar, 'obligatorio' refers to a general rule or requirement, whereas 'obligado' implies a personal duty or commitment. Think of 'obligatorio' as a law and 'obligado' as a personal responsibility.

Related Translations

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