How to Say "to obey" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to obey” is “obedecer” — use this word when referring to the general act of following orders or instructions from a person or authority figure, like parents or superiors.
Use this word when referring to the general act of following orders or instructions from a person or authority figure, like parents or superiors.
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Choose this word when the focus is on following a set of steps, directions, or guidelines, especially in a procedural context like assembling furniture or following a recipe.
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This word is best used for formally accepting and complying with rules, laws, or decisions, often implying respect for the authority that established them.
Learn more →oh-beh-deh-sehroβeðeˈθeɾ
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.
seh-GEERseˈɣiɾ
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.
ah-kah-TARakaˈtaɾ
Examples
Debemos acatar las reglas del juego.
We must obey the rules of the game.
El tenista decidió acatar la decisión del árbitro.
The tennis player decided to accept the referee's decision.
Es obligatorio acatar las nuevas medidas de seguridad.
It is mandatory to comply with the new security measures.
No extra words needed
Unlike the English phrase 'comply with', you don't need a preposition after 'acatar'. You go straight to the object: 'acatar la ley' (comply the law).
Rules vs. People
While you can use it for people, it's most often used for abstract things like laws, orders, or decisions rather than your parents or friends.
Using 'with'
Mistake: “Acato con las reglas.”
Correction: Acato las reglas. (Spanish doesn't need 'con' here).
Obedecer vs. Seguir Instructions
Learners often confuse 'obedecer' and 'seguir' when talking about instructions. While 'obedecer' is about submitting to an order, 'seguir' specifically means to follow the steps or directions provided. Use 'seguir' for manuals or recipes, and 'obedecer' for commands.
Related Translations
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