Translation
to force, to oblige, to compel
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Word origin
From Latin obligare ('to bind, to oblige'), from ob ('to, towards') plus ligare ('to bind, to tie'). The root ligare also gives English 'ligament' and 'liable'.
- Origin
- Latin
- Root
- obligare
- English cognates
- oblige, ligament
Grammar
Conjugation
Regular -ar conjugation. Pronouns: yo, tú, él/ella/ud., nos., vos., ellos/uds..
Indicative
| Person | Present | Preterite | Imperfect | Future | Conditional |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| yo | obligo | obligué | obligaba | obligaré | obligaría |
| tú | obligas | obligaste | obligabas | obligarás | obligarías |
| él/ella/ud. | obliga | obligó | obligaba | obligará | obligaría |
| nos. | obligamos | obligamos | obligábamos | obligaremos | obligaríamos |
| vos. | obligáis | obligasteis | obligabais | obligaréis | obligaríais |
| ellos/uds. | obligan | obligaron | obligaban | obligarán | obligarían |
Subjunctive
| Person | Present | Imperfect (-ra) | Imperfect (-se) |
|---|---|---|---|
| yo | obligue | obligara | obligase |
| tú | obligues | obligaras | obligases |
| él/ella/ud. | obligue | obligara | obligase |
| nos. | obliguemos | obligáramos | obligásemos |
| vos. | obliguéis | obligarais | obligaseis |
| ellos/uds. | obliguen | obligaran | obligasen |
Imperative
| Person | Affirmative |
|---|---|
| tú | obliga |
| ud. | obligue |
| nosotros | obliguemos |
| vosotros | obligad |
| uds. | obliguen |
Non-finite
- Gerund / present participle
- obligando
- Past participle
- obligado
Examples
.
No one can force you to sign that contract.
.
The rain forced us to cancel the match.
, .
I do not want to force you, but it really is in your interest.
.
The law requires you to wear a seatbelt.
.
The circumstances forced me to change my plans.
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Spanish · Free printables
obligar: worksheet, infographic and listicle
Free printable study downloads for the Spanish word "obligar" (to force, to oblige, to compel): a worksheet with the answer key built in, an infographic, and a sentence listicle. Open any one to view, print or save.
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Start your free weekThis word is taught in chapter 15, lesson 6: obligar, sombrero, cómodo and 7 more words.