Inklingo

How to Say "to obey" in Spanish

English → Spanish

obedecer

oh-beh-deh-sehroβeðeˈθeɾ

verbA2general
Use this word when referring to the general act of following orders or instructions from a person or authority figure, like parents or superiors.
A well-behaved puppy sitting calmly and looking up at its owner's hand as it receives a treat.

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-GEERseˈɣiɾ

verbB1general
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.
A cartoon character carefully assembling a wooden birdhouse while looking at a simplified drawing of the assembly steps on a piece of paper.

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.

acatar

ah-kah-TARakaˈtaɾ

verbB2formal
This word is best used for formally accepting and complying with rules, laws, or decisions, often implying respect for the authority that established them.
A child putting toys into a wooden chest as directed by a parent.

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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