Inklingo

How to Say "obligation" in Spanish

English → Spanish

obligación

nounA2general
Use 'obligación' for a formal or legal duty, requirement, or something that is mandatory.

Examples

Pagar los impuestos es una obligación legal para todos.

Paying taxes is a legal obligation for everyone.

compromiso

kom-proh-MEE-sohkom.pɾoˈmi.so

nounA2general
Choose 'compromiso' when the obligation involves a personal commitment, promise, or dedication to something or someone.
A person carefully watering a small, vibrant green sapling planted in fertile ground, symbolizing dedication and commitment to growth.

Examples

Mi compromiso con este trabajo es total.

My commitment to this job is total.

Lo siento, no puedo ir, tengo un compromiso familiar esta noche.

I'm sorry, I can't go, I have a family obligation tonight.

Adquirimos el compromiso de reducir los residuos plásticos.

We took on the commitment to reduce plastic waste.

Using 'con' for commitment

When expressing commitment to something, Spanish often uses the preposition 'con' (with) instead of 'a' (to): 'Mi compromiso con la causa'.

Confusing 'Compromiso' and 'Compromising'

Mistake: “Using 'compromiso' to mean 'embarrassment' or 'awkward situation'.”

Correction: Use 'vergüenza' or 'situación incómoda' instead. 'Compromiso' is strictly about duty or promise.

deber

deh-BEHRdeˈβeɾ

nounB1general
Use 'deber' to refer to a moral or civic duty, a sense of what one ought to do, or a general responsibility.
A gentle elephant character focused on watering a tiny, wilting flower with water from its trunk, symbolizing moral duty and responsibility.

Examples

Cumplir con su deber es un orgullo.

Fulfilling one's duty is a source of pride.

Tengo muchos deberes para este fin de semana.

I have a lot of homework this weekend.

Lo hizo por puro sentido del deber.

He did it out of a pure sense of duty.

Gender and Number

'Deber' as a noun is masculine. When meaning 'homework' or 'chores,' it is almost always used in the plural: 'los deberes'.

Using 'Deber' instead of 'Tarea'

Mistake: “If you are in Latin America, 'tarea' is often the preferred word for school homework.”

Correction: 'Deberes' for homework is common in Spain. Use 'tarea' across all regions for school assignments.

deuda

DEY-dahˈdeu̯.ða

nounB2general
Employ 'deuda' when the obligation is specifically a debt of gratitude or a moral debt owed to someone for a favor or kindness.
A fox pulls a rabbit up a hill, and the rabbit immediately offers the fox an apple, illustrating a debt of gratitude or obligation.

Examples

Siento una deuda de gratitud hacia mis maestros.

I feel a debt of gratitude toward my teachers.

La vida me ha dado tanto que estoy en deuda con ella.

Life has given me so much that I am indebted to it.

Obligación vs. Compromiso

Learners often confuse 'obligación' and 'compromiso'. Remember that 'obligación' implies a requirement or a rule, while 'compromiso' suggests a personal promise or dedication. Think 'legal duty' for 'obligación' and 'personal promise' for 'compromiso'.

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