Inklingo

How to Say "obligations" in Spanish

English → Spanish

obligaciones

/oh-blee-gah-SYOH-nehs//oβliɣaˈsjones/

nounA2general
Use 'obligaciones' for formal or legal requirements, like those in a contract or job description, or for moral duties that are generally understood.
A person watering a small garden and sweeping a path.

Examples

Tengo muchas obligaciones en mi nuevo trabajo.

I have many obligations in my new job.

Es nuestra obligación cuidar el medio ambiente.

It is our duty to take care of the environment.

Gender and Number

This word is always feminine. Because it ends in 'es', you use 'las' before it: 'las obligaciones'.

The Disappearing Accent

The singular version (obligación) has a little accent mark over the 'o', but when you make it more than one (obligaciones), that mark disappears.

Spelling Alert

Mistake: “Writing 'obligaciónes' with an accent.”

Correction: Write 'obligaciones' without the accent. In Spanish, when words ending in '-ción' become plural, they lose the accent mark.

deberes

deh-BEH-rehs/deˈβeɾes/

nounB1general
Choose 'deberes' when referring to duties, responsibilities, or tasks that one is expected to perform, often in a civic or moral context.
A person wearing an apron carefully watering several potted green plants with a small watering can, symbolizing the fulfilling of household duties and responsibilities.

Examples

Es su deber cívico votar en las elecciones.

It is your civic duty to vote in the elections.

Los padres tienen deberes hacia sus hijos.

Parents have duties toward their children.

El militar cumplió con sus deberes hasta el final.

The soldier fulfilled his duties until the end.

The Singular Form

When referring to a general sense of obligation, you might hear the singular: 'Es un deber ser honesto' (It is a duty to be honest).

deudas

DEH-oo-das/ˈdeu̯.ðas/

nounA2general
Use 'deudas' specifically when talking about financial debts or owing money to someone or something.
A small, worried cartoon character is struggling to drag a heavy metal chain connected to a large, imposing pile of generic gold coins, symbolizing the burden of debt.

Examples

Necesito un trabajo para pagar todas mis deudas.

I need a job to pay all my debts.

El banco revisó la lista de deudas pendientes.

The bank reviewed the list of outstanding liabilities.

Tenemos una deuda de gratitud con nuestros padres.

We have a debt of gratitude toward our parents.

Always Plural

This entry uses 'deudas' (plural). If you are referring to a single obligation, use the singular form, 'la deuda'.

Confusing 'Deudas' and 'Debes'

Mistake: “Using 'debes' (you owe) when you mean 'deudas' (the things you owe).”

Correction: Remember 'deudas' is the noun (the debt), and 'deber' is the verb (to owe). 'Tengo deudas' (I have debts).

Confusing 'obligaciones' and 'deudas'

Learners often mistakenly use 'deudas' for general duties or responsibilities. Remember that 'deudas' specifically refers to financial debts or owing something, while 'obligaciones' covers a broader range of duties and requirements.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.