obligatorio
/obliɡaˈtoɾjo/
The English phrase 'mandated' is translated into Spanish as obligatorio.
obligatorio is used to translate 'mandatory' or 'compulsory'.
Which one should you use?
While obligatorio is the most common way to say 'mandated' or 'mandatory' in a general sense, it is often used for rules or requirements, whereas mandatado is used specifically for someone who has been given a legal mandate or commission.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, so use obligatoria for feminine nouns. The adjective must agree in number with the noun it modifies, so use obligatorios for masculine plural nouns and obligatorias for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/obliɡaˈtoɾjo/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, the term obligatorio is frequently used in slogans for 'mandatory' voting, as many of these nations have laws that penalize citizens who do not vote.
- The word obligatorio shares a common ancestor with the English word 'obliged', as both descend from the Latin 'obligare', meaning 'to bind'.
- In Spanish, you can use the verb obligar to mean 'to force', which is much more direct and forceful than the English 'to mandate'.
Examples in context
- Es obligatorio presentar una identificación válida para ingresar al concierto.It is mandatory to present a valid ID to enter the concert.
- En mi casa, está impuesto que no se use el teléfono durante la cena.In my house, it is imposed not to use the phone during dinner.
- El uso de casco es exigido para andar en bicicleta en esta ciudad.Wearing a helmet is required to ride a bike in this city.
- Es forzoso que todos los empleados asistan a la reunión de mañana.It is mandated that all the employees attend tomorrow's meeting.
- El uso del casco es obligatorio.The use of the helmet is mandatory.
- El registro de la entrada es obligatorio.Registering at the entrance is mandatory.
- No es obligatorio traer material.It is not mandatory to bring materials.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are discussing the rules for a new job.
- Elena¿Es obligatorio usar uniforme en el trabajo?Is it mandatory to wear a uniform at work?
- AlejandroSí, el uso del uniforme es obligatorio.Yes, wearing the uniform is mandatory.
- ElenaEntiendo, gracias por la información, Alejandro.I understand, thanks for the information, Alejandro.
- AlejandroDe nada, Elena. Nos vemos mañana.You're welcome, Elena. See you tomorrow.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry obligatorio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries obligatorio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
