Inklingo

How to Say "duty" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “duty” is “obligación” — use 'obligación' when referring to a moral or legal responsibility that one must fulfill, like paying taxes or following laws..

obligaciónA2

Use 'obligación' when referring to a moral or legal responsibility that one must fulfill, like paying taxes or following laws.

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funciónA2

Choose 'función' to describe the specific purpose or role of an object or a person within a system or task.

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servicio🔊A2

Use 'servicio' when talking about the act of helping or serving others, especially in a professional or customer-facing context.

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guardia🔊B1

Use 'guardia' when referring to being on duty, working a specific shift, or being on call, particularly in professions like medicine or security.

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responsabilidad🔊B2

Use 'responsabilidad' to denote a specific task or obligation that you are accountable for, often implying a weighty or important role.

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derecho🔊B2

Use 'derecho' specifically when referring to a tax or fee imposed on imported goods, often called customs duties.

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tasa🔊B2

Use 'tasa' for specific charges or fees, such as airport taxes or passport renewal fees, which are often government-imposed.

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English → Spanish

obligación

nounA2general
Use 'obligación' when referring to a moral or legal responsibility that one must fulfill, like paying taxes or following laws.

Examples

Pagar los impuestos es una obligación legal para todos.

Paying taxes is a legal obligation for everyone.

función

nounA2general
Choose 'función' to describe the specific purpose or role of an object or a person within a system or task.

Examples

La función principal de este botón es encender la máquina.

The main function of this button is to turn on the machine.

servicio

/ser-BEE-syo//seɾˈbi.sjo/

nounA2general
Use 'servicio' when talking about the act of helping or serving others, especially in a professional or customer-facing context.
A smiling waiter in a clean uniform holding a silver tray with a single cup of coffee, offering it politely to a customer.

Examples

El servicio al cliente en esa tienda es fantástico.

The customer service in that store is fantastic.

Los servicios de emergencia llegaron en cinco minutos.

The emergency services arrived in five minutes.

El hotel ofrece servicio de habitaciones las 24 horas.

The hotel offers 24-hour room service.

guardia

/gwar-dya//ˈɡwar.ðja/

nounB1general
Use 'guardia' when referring to being on duty, working a specific shift, or being on call, particularly in professions like medicine or security.
A uniformed firefighter sitting patiently at a small desk inside a fire station, ready to respond to a call.

Examples

El médico está de guardia esta noche en urgencias.

The doctor is on duty tonight in the emergency room.

Mi próxima guardia es el sábado, así que no puedo ir a la fiesta.

My next shift is Saturday, so I can't go to the party.

Hicieron guardia en la frontera durante seis horas.

They kept watch at the border for six hours.

Using 'De Guardia'

To express that someone is currently working their shift or is available for emergencies, use the structure 'estar de guardia' (to be on duty).

responsabilidad

reh-spon-sah-bee-lee-DAHD/res.pon.sa.βi.liˈðað/

nounB2general
Use 'responsabilidad' to denote a specific task or obligation that you are accountable for, often implying a weighty or important role.
A small, focused child carefully waters a single potted green plant using a tiny red watering can, symbolizing the commitment required for responsibility.

Examples

La responsabilidad de cuidar a mi hermana es muy grande.

The responsibility of taking care of my sister is very great.

Asume la responsabilidad por tus errores.

Take responsibility for your mistakes.

El director evitó toda responsabilidad sobre el proyecto fallido.

The director avoided all accountability for the failed project.

Feminine Noun Rule

Remember that 'responsabilidad' is always a female word, so you must use 'la' before it: 'la responsabilidad'.

Prepositions with Responsibility

When talking about the thing you are responsible for, use the preposition 'de' (of): 'Tengo la responsabilidad de limpiar' (I have the responsibility to clean).

False Cognate Confusion

Mistake: “Decir 'Tengo responsibilidad' (Missing the 'a').”

Correction: The correct spelling is 'responsabilidad' (note the 'a' after the 's'), which is a bit different from the English word.

derecho

/deh-REH-choh//deˈɾe.t͡ʃo/

nounB2formal
Use 'derecho' specifically when referring to a tax or fee imposed on imported goods, often called customs duties.
A hand placing coins on a counter next to official-looking documents, representing the payment of a fee or duty.

Examples

Hay que pagar los derechos de aduana para importar el coche.

You have to pay the customs duties to import the car.

La factura incluye los derechos de matrícula de la universidad.

The bill includes the university's registration fees.

tasa

/TAH-sah//ˈtasa/

nounB2formal
Use 'tasa' for specific charges or fees, such as airport taxes or passport renewal fees, which are often government-imposed.
A person handing a gold coin to a clerk at a wooden counter.

Examples

Debes pagar una tasa para renovar el pasaporte.

You must pay a fee to renew your passport.

Las tasas aeroportuarias están incluidas en el billete.

The airport taxes are included in the ticket.

Tasa vs. Impuesto

A 'tasa' is usually a fee you pay in exchange for a specific service (like getting a license), while an 'impuesto' is a general tax that goes to the government for everything.

Obligación vs. Responsabilidad

Learners often confuse 'obligación' and 'responsabilidad'. While both imply duty, 'obligación' usually refers to a broader moral or legal requirement, whereas 'responsabilidad' points to a specific task or role you are accountable for.

Related Translations

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