Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| obligatorio | /obliɡaˈtoɾjo/ |
| mandatorio | /mandaˈtoɾjo/ |
The term is used to describe something that is obligatory, required by law, rule or necessity.
Which one should you use?
Obligatorio is the standard term for something required by law, rule or necessity. In contrast, mandatorio is often viewed as a technical or legalistic anglicism depending on the region.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, the form must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use obligatoria for feminine singular nouns, obligatorios for masculine plural nouns and obligatorias for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/obliɡaˈtoɾjo/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using mandatorio as a direct translation of the English word 'mandatory'. This is a common anglicism. In most Spanish-speaking contexts, obligatorio is the more natural and standard term.
Did you know?
- The word mandatorio originates from the Late Latin mandātōrius, but it only returned to Spanish as a modern loanword from English.
- In some Latin American legal systems, a mandatorio is not an adjective meaning 'mandatory' but a noun referring to the person who carries out a mandate.
- While obligatorio means 'mandatory', the noun obligación is used in Spanish to describe both a legal requirement and a moral or social duty.
Examples in context
- Es obligatorio ducharse antes de entrar.Showering before entering is mandatory.This sentence uses obligatorio to describe a mandatory requirement for entering a place.Tatoeba #8820122 by arh, translation #9189163 by DJ_Saidez
- Ahí no dice que está prohibido, sino que es obligatorio.Over there, they don't say that it's prohibited. In fact, they say that it's mandatory.This sentence uses obligatorio to contrast a mandatory action with a prohibited one.Tatoeba #1646151 by wallebot, translation #4192705 by wallebot
- El carácter obligatorio de la escolaridad es rara vez analizado en la multitud de trabajos dedicados al estudio de las varias maneras de desarrollar en los niños el deseo de aprender.The mandatory character of schooling is rarely analyzed in the multitude of works dedicated to the study of the various ways to develop within children the desire to learn.This sentence uses obligatorio to discuss the mandatory nature of schooling.Tatoeba #180561 by cueyayotl, translation #1623 by AlanF_US
- Es obligatorio asistir al evento.It is mandatory to attend the event.
- La presentación de hoy es obligatoria.Today's presentation is mandatory (feminine noun).
- Se requiere el uso de protección facial.Facial protection is required.
- Es indispensable completar el formulario antes de la fecha límite.It is mandatory to complete the form before the deadline.
- Tengo que estudiar para el examen.I have to study for the exam (mandatory action).
- Es necesario que llegues temprano.It is mandatory that you arrive early.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At an office, discussing new company policies.
- Daniel¿Es obligatorio asistir a la reunión?Is it mandatory to attend the meeting?
- ElenaSí, es obligatorio para todo el equipo.Yes, it is mandatory for the whole team.
- DanielEntiendo, gracias por la información, Elena.I understand, thanks for the information, Elena.
- ElenaDe nada, Daniel.You're welcome, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mandatory” translations and entries obligatorio, mandatorio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries mandatorio, obligatorio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
