How to Say "to obey" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to obey” is “obedecer” — use 'obedecer' when referring to following direct orders, commands, or instructions given by someone in authority, like parents, teachers, or superiors..
obedecer
/oh-beh-deh-sehr//oβeðeˈθeɾ/
Examples
Los niños deben obedecer a sus padres.
Children must obey their parents.
Es importante obedecer las señales de tráfico.
It is important to follow the traffic signs.
Mis piernas no me obedecen después de correr tanto.
My legs aren't responding after running so much.
The Spelling Change
For the 'yo' form in the present, the 'c' changes to 'zc' (obedezco). This same change happens in all the 'special' verb forms used for wishes and commands.
Using the 'Personal A'
When you are obeying a specific person or pet, you must put the word 'a' before them: 'Obedezco a mi jefa'.
Missing the 'zc'
Mistake: “Yo obedeco.”
Correction: Yo obedezco. Verbs ending in -ecer almost always add a 'z' before the 'c' in the 'yo' form.
seguir
/seh-GEER//seˈɣiɾ/
Examples
Para montar el mueble, tienes que seguir las instrucciones.
To assemble the furniture, you have to follow the instructions.
Siempre sigo los consejos de mi madre.
I always follow my mother's advice.
Ella quiere seguir una carrera en medicina.
She wants to pursue a career in medicine.
Obedecer vs. Seguir
Related Translations
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