Inklingo

How to Say "responsibilities" in Spanish

English → Spanish

obligaciones

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

nounA2general
Use 'obligaciones' when referring to specific tasks, duties, or jobs that you are assigned or responsible for, especially in a work or formal context.
A person watering a small garden and sweeping a path.

Examples

Tengo muchas obligaciones en mi nuevo trabajo.

I have many duties 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.

responsabilidades

reh-spon-sah-bee-lee-DAH-des/res.pon.sa.βiˈli.ða.ðes/

nounA2general
Use 'responsabilidades' to talk about the general scope of duties or obligations that fall under your charge, often implying a level of accountability.
A friendly, simple character, like a small bear cub, balancing three distinct symbolic objects (a stack of books, a watering can, and a small key) in its arms, illustrating the concept of managing multiple duties.

Examples

Mis responsabilidades en la oficina aumentaron este mes.

My responsibilities at the office increased this month.

Delegamos las responsabilidades entre todos los miembros del equipo.

We delegated the duties among all the team members.

Las responsabilidades familiares son lo primero para ella.

Family responsibilities are the first priority for her.

Feminine Plural

Even though it ends in '-es', this word is always feminine. Remember to use feminine descriptive words (adjectives) with it, like 'muchas responsabilidades' (many responsibilities).

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “El responsabilidades”

Correction: Las responsabilidades. Since this word is feminine and plural, you must use the feminine plural article 'las'.

deberes

deh-BEH-rehs/deˈβeɾes/

nounB1general
Use 'deberes' to refer to expected roles, moral duties, or civic obligations, like your duty to vote or a child's homework.
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).

Obligaciones vs. Responsabilidades

Learners often confuse 'obligaciones' and 'responsabilidades' as they are very similar. While both refer to tasks you are in charge of, 'obligaciones' can sometimes sound more like a strict requirement, whereas 'responsabilidades' emphasizes the scope of what you are accountable for.

Related Translations

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