How to Say "mandatory" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “mandatory” is “obligatorio” — use this word for rules, laws, or requirements that are officially imposed and must be followed by everyone.
obligatorio
oh-blee-gah-toh-ryohoβliɣaˈtoɾjo
Examples
Es obligatorio presentar el DNI para entrar al edificio.
It is mandatory to present your ID card to enter the building.
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.
requerido
reh-keh-REE-dohrekeˈɾiðo
Examples
El visado es un documento requerido para visitar ese país.
A visa is a required document to visit that country.
El pasaporte es un documento requerido para viajar al extranjero.
A passport is a required document for traveling abroad.
Complete todos los campos requeridos en el formulario.
Complete all the required fields in the form.
No cuentas con la experiencia requerida para este puesto de trabajo.
You don't have the required experience for this job position.
Match your endings
Since this is an adjective, you must change the ending to match what you are talking about: 'requerido' (male), 'requerida' (female), 'requeridos' (male plural), or 'requeridas' (female plural).
Word placement
In Spanish, this word usually comes after the person or thing it describes. For example, 'documento requerido' rather than 'requerido documento'.
Gender Mismatch
Mistake: “La firma requerido.”
Correction: La firma requerida. (Because 'firma' is a feminine word, 'requerido' must also become feminine).
imperativo
eem-peh-rah-TEE-bohimpeɾaˈtiβo
Examples
Es imperativo que respondamos a esta crisis con prontitud.
It is imperative that we respond to this crisis promptly.
Es imperativo que tomemos una decisión hoy mismo.
It is urgent that we make a decision this very day.
Me habló con un tono imperativo que me molestó.
He spoke to me with a commanding tone that annoyed me.
La protección del medio ambiente es un deber imperativo.
Protecting the environment is a mandatory duty.
Word Ending Changes
Since this is an adjective, it must match the noun it describes. Use 'imperativo' for masculine things and 'imperativa' for feminine things.
Confusing 'Urgent' with 'Bossy'
Mistake: “Using 'imperativo' only for bossy people.”
Correction: Remember it mostly means something is 'unavoidable' or 'urgent' in formal Spanish.
obligado
oh-blee-GAH-dohoβliˈɣaðo
Examples
Por ley, todos los empleados están obligados a recibir capacitación de seguridad.
By law, all employees are obligated to receive safety training.
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).
Obligatorio vs. Imperativo
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.