obedecer في 30 ثانية
- To obey; to comply with a command, rule, or request.
- Used for following orders from authority, rules, or instructions.
- Conjugated as a regular -er verb, often uses 'a' before people.
- Essential for understanding social structures and compliance.
The Spanish verb obedecer translates directly to 'to obey' or 'to comply with' in English. It signifies the act of following orders, instructions, or commands given by someone in a position of authority, or adhering to rules and laws. This verb is fundamental for understanding social structures, hierarchical relationships, and the concept of discipline. People use 'obedecer' in a wide array of situations, from children obeying their parents and students obeying their teachers, to soldiers obeying their commanders, citizens obeying the law, and even pets obeying their owners. It’s a core verb for describing obedience in any context where directives are given and followed.
- Contexts
- Family: Children are expected to obedecer their parents.
- Education: Students must obedecer the rules of the school.
- Military/Police: Personnel are trained to obedecer orders.
- Law: All citizens must obedecer the laws of the land.
- Animals: A well-trained dog will obedecer commands.
- Workplace: Employees may need to obedecer instructions from their supervisors.
- General Compliance: Sometimes, it refers to following advice or suggestions, though less strictly than a command.
The concept of 'obedecer' is deeply ingrained in many cultures and forms the basis of order and cooperation. It implies a recognition of authority or a set of established guidelines. While it often suggests a passive following, it can also imply an active understanding and acceptance of the need to comply. For instance, a doctor might advise a patient to obedecer a treatment plan, implying a necessary adherence for health. The verb is conjugated in the standard way for -er verbs, making it accessible for learners once the basic conjugation patterns are understood. The nuances of when and why someone should obedecer can vary greatly depending on the social, cultural, and personal context.
Los niños deben obedecer a sus padres para crecer en un ambiente seguro.
Si quieres que tu perro sea bueno, enséñale a obedecer.
- Variations
- While 'obedecer' is the most common verb for obeying, depending on the context, you might also hear 'seguir' (to follow) for instructions or advice, or 'acatar' (to comply with) for laws or formal decisions.
Understanding 'obedecer' is crucial for navigating social interactions and understanding authority dynamics in Spanish-speaking cultures. It's a verb that is used daily in countless scenarios, from the most informal family settings to the most formal governmental decrees. The ability to use and understand this verb will significantly enhance your comprehension of Spanish communication, particularly in situations involving rules, authority, and compliance.
Los soldados deben obedecer las órdenes de su superior.
Using obedecer correctly involves understanding its conjugation and the prepositions it often pairs with, primarily a when referring to the person or entity being obeyed. As a regular -er verb, its present tense conjugations are: yo obedezco, tú obedeces, él/ella/usted obedece, nosotros obedecemos, vosotros obedecéis, ellos/ellas/ustedes obedecen. The preterite and imperfect tenses follow standard patterns as well. The key is to place the object of obedience after the preposition 'a'. For example, 'Yo obedezco a mi madre' (I obey my mother). Without the 'a', it would sound unnatural or incorrect in most contexts where a person or specific entity is the recipient of the obedience.
Beyond personal relationships, 'obedecer' is frequently used in contexts involving rules, laws, or instructions. Consider sentences like: 'Es importante obedecer las señales de tráfico' (It is important to obey traffic signals). Here, 'las señales de tráfico' are the things being obeyed, and the preposition 'a' is not used because it's not a person or a specific entity being directly commanded. However, if you were referring to the police officer who enforces those signals, you would say 'Debes obedecer al policía' (You must obey the police officer). This distinction is subtle but important for natural-sounding Spanish.
The verb can also be used in more abstract or formal settings. For instance, in a legal or governmental context, one might say: 'La empresa debe obedecer la nueva regulación' (The company must obey the new regulation). In this case, 'la nueva regulación' is the rule being followed. It’s also used in discussions about ethics and morality, where individuals might question whether they *should* obedecer certain commands or laws if they conflict with their conscience. This adds a layer of complexity to its usage, moving beyond simple compliance to include critical thinking about authority.
Los niños pequeños aprenden a obedecer a sus padres.
- Present Tense Examples
- Yo obedezco las reglas de la biblioteca. (I obey the library rules.)
- Tú debes obedecer a tu profesor. (You must obey your teacher.)
- Ella obedece las instrucciones cuidadosamente. (She obeys the instructions carefully.)
- Nosotros obedecemos al director. (We obey the principal.)
- Vosotros obedecéis las leyes de tránsito. (You all obey the traffic laws.)
- Ellos obedecen a sus padres sin quejarse. (They obey their parents without complaining.)
Si quieres tener éxito, debes obedecer las indicaciones de los expertos.
- Past Tense Examples
- Ayer, el perro obedeció a su dueño. (Yesterday, the dog obeyed its owner.)
- Cuando era niño, yo obedecía a mis abuelos. (When I was a child, I used to obey my grandparents.)
- El comité obedeció la decisión del tribunal. (The committee obeyed the court's decision.)
Los ciudadanos deben obedecer las leyes para mantener el orden social.
You will hear the verb obedecer in a multitude of everyday conversations and formal settings across the Spanish-speaking world. Its prevalence stems from the universal nature of rules, authority, and guidance. In family settings, parents frequently tell their children, '¡Obedece!' (Obey!) or 'Tienes que obedecer.' (You have to obey.). School environments are another common place; teachers remind students to obedecer classroom rules or instructions. This might sound like: 'Los estudiantes siempre deben obedecer a sus maestros.' (Students must always obey their teachers).
In more formal contexts, such as news reports or legal discussions, 'obedecer' is used to describe compliance with laws, regulations, or court orders. For example, a news anchor might say, 'La empresa fue multada por no obedecer la nueva ley.' (The company was fined for not obeying the new law.). Similarly, in military or police contexts, obedience is paramount. You'll hear phrases like, 'Los oficiales deben obedecer las órdenes del comandante.' (Officers must obey the commander's orders).
Pet owners often use this verb when training their animals. 'Mi perro aprende muy rápido a obedecer.' (My dog learns very quickly to obey.) is a common sentiment. Even in casual conversations about societal norms, the concept of obedience arises. Someone might comment, 'En esta sociedad, es fundamental que todos obedezcamos las normas.' (In this society, it is fundamental that we all obey the norms.)
Los niños deben obedecer a sus padres para aprender disciplina.
- Common Scenarios
- A parent scolding a child: '¡Obedece cuando te hablo!' (Obey me when I speak to you!).
- A teacher giving instructions: 'Por favor, obedezcan las indicaciones para la tarea.' (Please obey the instructions for the homework.).
- A lawyer explaining a client's obligation: 'Usted debe obedecer la sentencia del juez.' (You must obey the judge's sentence.).
- A discussion about traffic laws: 'Es vital obedecer los semáforos para evitar accidentes.' (It is vital to obey traffic lights to avoid accidents.).
- A pet owner bragging about their dog: 'Mi perro es muy listo, obedece todo lo que le digo.' (My dog is very smart, he obeys everything I tell him.).
En el ejército, es crucial obedecer las órdenes sin dudar.
Si no quieres tener problemas, obedece las normas de la casa.
- Formal vs. Informal
- Informal: '¡Obedece a tu mamá!' (Obey your mom!).
- Formal: 'Los ciudadanos están obligados a obedecer la Constitución.' (Citizens are obligated to obey the Constitution.).
One of the most common mistakes English speakers make with obedecer is forgetting the preposition 'a' when referring to the person or entity being obeyed. English often uses a direct object (e.g., 'I obey my parents'), but Spanish typically requires 'a' before a person or a personalized entity: 'Yo obedezco a mis padres.' Omitting this 'a' can sound abrupt or even incorrect to a native speaker, especially in more formal contexts.
Another potential pitfall is confusing 'obedecer' with verbs that imply following in a more general sense, like 'seguir' (to follow) or 'hacer caso' (to pay attention to/heed). While 'seguir las instrucciones' (to follow the instructions) is common, 'obedecer las instrucciones' is also correct and might imply a stronger sense of obligation. The choice depends on the nuance. 'Hacer caso' is more about paying attention and acting upon advice or a warning, whereas 'obedecer' is a more direct command-following action.
Learners might also struggle with the conjugation, particularly the 'z' in the 'yo' form of the present tense (yo obedezco) and the 'c' in other forms. This is a common pattern for verbs ending in -cer and -cir, but it requires practice to master. Forgetting this spelling change can lead to errors like 'yo obedezo'.
Incorrecto: Yo obedezco mis padres. Correcto: Yo obedezco a mis padres.
- Mistake 1: Missing Preposition 'a'
- Mistake: Omitting the preposition 'a' when referring to the person or entity being obeyed.
- Correction: Always include 'a' before a direct personal object: 'obedecer a alguien'.
- Explanation: This is a grammatical requirement in Spanish for direct objects that are people or personalized entities.
- Example: 'El niño obedece a la maestra.' (The child obeys the teacher.)
Incorrecto: Yo obedezo. Correcto: Yo obedezco.
- Mistake 2: Incorrect Conjugation
- Mistake: Incorrectly conjugating the present tense, especially the 'yo' form.
- Correction: Remember the spelling change: 'yo obedezco'.
- Explanation: Verbs ending in -cer often have a 'z' in the first-person singular present indicative.
- Example: 'Yo obedezco las reglas.' (I obey the rules.)
- Mistake 3: Overgeneralization of 'seguir'
- Mistake: Using 'seguir' (to follow) when 'obedecer' (to obey) is more appropriate due to the context of a direct command or authority.
- Correction: Use 'obedecer' when the emphasis is on compliance with an order or rule from an authority.
- Explanation: While 'seguir' can mean to follow instructions, 'obedecer' specifically implies submission to a command or authority.
- Example: 'El soldado obedeció la orden de avanzar.' (The soldier obeyed the order to advance.) - 'Seguir la orden' would be less emphatic about the command aspect.
While obedecer is the primary verb for 'to obey,' Spanish offers several alternatives that convey similar meanings but with nuances in formality, context, or intensity. Understanding these distinctions allows for more precise communication.
- Seguir (to follow)
- Usage: 'Seguir' is often used for following instructions, advice, directions, or even a path. It's less about a direct command from an authority and more about adhering to guidance.
- Difference from obedecer: 'Seguir' can be more neutral. You can 'seguir' a recipe without necessarily being commanded by someone. 'Obedecer' implies a hierarchy or a rule that must be followed.
- Example: 'Por favor, sigue mis instrucciones.' (Please follow my instructions.) - This is softer than 'Obedece mis instrucciones.' Also, 'Sigue el camino' (Follow the path).
- Acatar (to comply with, to abide by)
- Usage: This verb is more formal and is typically used for complying with laws, regulations, decisions, or resolutions.
- Difference from obedecer: 'Acatar' carries a sense of formal acceptance and adherence, often in legal or administrative contexts. 'Obedecer' can be more personal or immediate.
- Example: 'La empresa debe acatar las normas medioambientales.' (The company must comply with environmental regulations.)
- Cumplir (to fulfill, to comply with)
- Usage: 'Cumplir' means to fulfill a duty, a promise, or an obligation. It can also mean to comply with rules.
- Difference from obedecer: 'Cumplir' focuses more on the successful completion of a task or adherence to a commitment. You can 'cumplir' a promise, which is different from 'obedecer' a person.
- Example: 'Debes cumplir con tus responsabilidades.' (You must fulfill your responsibilities.) Also, 'Cumplir la ley' (to comply with the law).
- Hacer caso (to pay attention to, to heed)
- Usage: This idiomatic expression means to pay attention to someone's words, advice, or warnings, and often to act upon them.
- Difference from obedecer: 'Hacer caso' is less about strict obedience and more about heeding advice or warnings. It implies a degree of willingness rather than an absolute obligation.
- Example: 'No me hiciste caso y ahora tienes problemas.' (You didn't pay attention to me/heed me, and now you have problems.)
El soldado obedeció la orden. / El estudiante siguió las instrucciones. / El ciudadano acata la ley.
- Respetar (to respect)
- Usage: While not a direct synonym, 'respetar' is often linked to obedience. You respect someone, and therefore you obey them.
- Difference from obedecer: Respect is an attitude or feeling, while obedience is an action. You can obey without respect, and you can respect someone without always obeying them in every minor matter.
- Example: 'Debes respetar a tus mayores.' (You must respect your elders.) This respect often leads to obedience.
How Formal Is It?
حقيقة ممتعة
The root 'audire' (to hear) is also the origin of English words like 'auditory', 'audience', and 'audio', demonstrating a shared linguistic ancestry related to sound and listening.
دليل النطق
- Pronouncing the 'z' as in 'zoo' instead of 'th' (Spain) or 's' (Latin America).
- Incorrectly stressing the last syllable instead of the second-to-last.
- Using an English 'b' or 'd' sound instead of the softer Spanish versions.
- Not softening the 'b' and 'd' between vowels.
- Pronouncing the 'e' sounds like the English 'ee'.
مستوى الصعوبة
CEFR A2. The verb itself is straightforward, but understanding the contexts and nuances, especially regarding the preposition 'a' and distinguishing it from similar verbs, requires practice. Recognizing its use in various formal and informal registers is key.
CEFR A2. Correct conjugation and proper use of the preposition 'a' are crucial for accurate writing. Learners need to practice applying 'obedecer' in different sentence structures and contexts to avoid common errors.
CEFR A2. Fluency in using 'obedecer' in spoken Spanish comes with practice. Learners should focus on natural pronunciation and integrating the verb smoothly into conversations, especially when responding to commands or discussing rules.
CEFR A2. Understanding 'obedecer' when spoken requires familiarity with its pronunciation variations (especially the 'z'/'s' sound) and its common contexts. Recognizing it in dialogues about family, school, or laws is important.
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Present Indicative Conjugation of -er verbs
Yo obedezco, tú obedeces, él/ella/usted obedece, nosotros obedecemos, vosotros obedecéis, ellos/ellas/ustedes obedecen.
Use of the preposition 'a' with direct objects (personal a)
Obedecer a tu padre. (Not: Obedecer tu padre.)
Modal verbs (deber, tener que) + infinitive
Debes obedecer. Tienes que obedecer.
Imperative mood for commands
¡Obedece!
Subjunctive mood after expressions of desire or necessity (e.g., querer que, esperar que)
Quiero que obedezcas.
أمثلة حسب المستوى
El perro obedece.
The dog obeys.
Simple present tense, third person singular.
Obedece a mamá.
Obey mom.
Imperative form (tú), with preposition 'a'.
Yo obedezco.
I obey.
Present tense, first person singular, 'yo' form.
Los niños obedecen.
The children obey.
Present tense, third person plural.
Obedece las reglas.
Obey the rules.
Imperative form (tú), direct object without 'a'.
Ellos obedecen al profesor.
They obey the teacher.
Present tense, third person plural, with preposition 'a'.
Obedece la señal.
Obey the sign.
Imperative form (tú), direct object without 'a'.
Nosotros obedecemos.
We obey.
Present tense, first person plural.
Los estudiantes deben obedecer a sus maestros.
The students must obey their teachers.
Modal verb 'deber' + infinitive 'obedecer', with preposition 'a'.
Mi hermano siempre obedece a nuestros padres.
My brother always obeys our parents.
Present tense, third person singular, with preposition 'a'.
¿Por qué no obedeciste las instrucciones?
Why didn't you obey the instructions?
Preterite tense, second person singular (tú), direct object without 'a'.
Los ciudadanos deben obedecer las leyes.
Citizens must obey the laws.
Modal verb 'deber' + infinitive 'obedecer', direct object without 'a'.
El perro obedecía todas las órdenes.
The dog obeyed all the orders.
Imperfect tense, third person singular, direct object without 'a'.
Tienes que obedecer al médico.
You have to obey the doctor.
Modal verb 'tener que' + infinitive 'obedecer', with preposition 'a'.
Ella obedeció la señal de alto.
She obeyed the stop sign.
Preterite tense, third person singular, direct object without 'a'.
Nosotros obedecemos a nuestros líderes.
We obey our leaders.
Present tense, first person plural, with preposition 'a'.
Es fundamental que los niños aprendan a obedecer para su desarrollo.
It is fundamental that children learn to obey for their development.
Subjunctive 'aprendan' after 'es fundamental que', followed by infinitive 'obedecer'.
Si no obedeces las reglas, podrías tener problemas.
If you don't obey the rules, you could have problems.
Conditional sentence: present indicative + conditional simple.
El soldado obedeció la orden de avanzar sin dudar.
The soldier obeyed the order to advance without hesitation.
Preterite tense, third person singular, direct object without 'a'.
Los empleados deben obedecer las políticas de la empresa.
Employees must obey the company policies.
Modal verb 'deber' + infinitive 'obedecer', direct object without 'a'.
Ella nunca obedeció a su conciencia.
She never obeyed her conscience.
Imperfect tense, third person singular, with preposition 'a' for 'conciencia' (personified).
El juez dictaminó que debían obedecer el veredicto.
The judge ruled that they must obey the verdict.
Preterite tense 'dictaminó', followed by 'deber' in imperfect subjunctive 'debieran' (implied by context, often simplified to imperfect indicative 'debían' in speech) + infinitive.
Aprendimos a obedecer a la autoridad desde pequeños.
We learned to obey authority from a young age.
Preterite tense 'aprendimos', followed by infinitive 'obedecer' + preposition 'a'.
Si obedeces, te irás sin castigo.
If you obey, you will go without punishment.
Conditional sentence: present indicative + future simple.
La falta de voluntad para obedecer las directrices éticas causó un escándalo.
The lack of willingness to obey ethical guidelines caused a scandal.
Noun phrase 'La falta de voluntad', followed by infinitive 'obedecer' + direct object.
Se espera que los nuevos reclutas obedezcan ciegamente las órdenes.
New recruits are expected to blindly obey orders.
Impersonal 'se espera que' + subjunctive 'organicen' (implied) + infinitive 'obedecer' + adverb 'ciegamente'.
Intenté que mi perro obedeciera, pero estaba demasiado distraído.
I tried to make my dog obey, but he was too distracted.
Preterite tense 'intenté', followed by causative 'que' + subjunctive 'obedeciera' + direct object.
La ciudadanía tiene el deber de obedecer la Constitución.
Citizenship has the duty to obey the Constitution.
Noun phrase 'La ciudadanía', followed by 'tener el deber de' + infinitive 'obedecer'.
El artista se negó a obedecer las demandas del crítico.
The artist refused to obey the critic's demands.
Preterite tense 'negó', followed by infinitive 'obedecer' + direct object.
Las normas de seguridad son para que todos las obedezcamos.
The safety regulations are so that we all obey them.
'Para que' + subjunctive 'obedezcamos'.
A pesar de las advertencias, pocos estaban dispuestos a obedecer.
Despite the warnings, few were willing to obey.
Prepositional phrase 'A pesar de', followed by infinitive 'obedecer'.
La historia demuestra que obedecer ciegamente puede ser peligroso.
History shows that blindly obeying can be dangerous.
Gerund phrase 'obedecer ciegamente' acting as a subject.
El dilema ético radicaba en si debían obedecer la ley o su conciencia.
The ethical dilemma lay in whether they should obey the law or their conscience.
Subjunctive 'debieran' (implied or explicit) after 'si', followed by infinitive 'obedecer'.
La obediencia incondicional a la autoridad es un tema recurrente en la literatura distópica.
Unconditional obedience to authority is a recurring theme in dystopian literature.
Noun form 'obediencia', derived from 'obedecer'.
Se argumentó que la orden era ilegal y, por lo tanto, no había obligación de obedecerla.
It was argued that the order was illegal and, therefore, there was no obligation to obey it.
Infinitive 'obedecer' with attached pronoun 'la'.
Los revolucionarios instaban a la población a desobedecer el régimen opresor.
The revolutionaries urged the population to disobey the oppressive regime.
Verb 'desobedecer' (antonym) used in a sentence with 'obedecer' implied as the opposite.
La capacidad de un sistema para funcionar depende de que sus miembros obedezcan las reglas establecidas.
A system's ability to function depends on its members obeying the established rules.
'De que' + subjunctive 'organicen' (implied) + infinitive 'obedecer'.
El desafío para los líderes es inspirar obediencia en lugar de exigirla.
The challenge for leaders is to inspire obedience rather than demand it.
Noun form 'obediencia'.
Fue criticado por su pasividad al no obedecer una orden que consideraba inmoral.
He was criticized for his passivity in not obeying an order he considered immoral.
Infinitive 'obedecer' after a preposition.
La autonomía individual a menudo entra en conflicto con la necesidad de obedecer normas colectivas.
Individual autonomy often conflicts with the need to obey collective norms.
Infinitive 'obedecer' as part of a noun phrase.
La epistemología de la obediencia cuestiona la validez de seguir ciegamente el conocimiento transmitido.
The epistemology of obedience questions the validity of blindly following transmitted knowledge.
Noun form 'obediencia'.
El concepto de desobediencia civil se basa en la premisa de que hay leyes que no deben obedecerse.
The concept of civil disobedience is based on the premise that there are laws that should not be obeyed.
Infinitive 'obedecer' in a negative construction with 'deber'.
La resistencia a obedecer órdenes injustas es un pilar de la ética de la resistencia.
Resistance to obeying unjust orders is a pillar of resistance ethics.
Infinitive 'obedecer' after a preposition.
La psicología conductista explora los mecanismos por los cuales los organismos aprenden a obedecer estímulos.
Behaviorist psychology explores the mechanisms by which organisms learn to obey stimuli.
Infinitive 'obedecer' after 'aprender a'.
La dialéctica de la autoridad y la sumisión implica una compleja relación donde la obediencia es un factor clave.
The dialectic of authority and submission involves a complex relationship where obedience is a key factor.
Noun form 'obediencia'.
El análisis fenomenológico revela la experiencia subjetiva de obedecer y ser obedecido.
Phenomenological analysis reveals the subjective experience of obeying and being obeyed.
Infinitive 'obedecer' and passive infinitive 'ser obedecido'.
Las sociedades totalitarias buscan la erradicación de la capacidad de cuestionar y, por ende, de desobedecer.
Totalitarian societies seek the eradication of the ability to question and, therefore, to disobey.
Verb 'desobedecer' used in contrast to 'obedecer'.
La noción de consentimiento informado presupone la capacidad de obedecer o rechazar un tratamiento.
The notion of informed consent presupposes the ability to obey or refuse a treatment.
Infinitive 'obedecer' as part of a compound predicate.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
— Obey! (An imperative command, often used towards children or pets.)
¡Obedece ahora mismo o te castigaré!
— You have to obey. (Expresses an obligation or necessity.)
Si quieres quedarte, tienes que obedecer las reglas.
— To not obey, to disobey.
Él decidió no obedecer la orden porque la consideraba injusta.
— To pay attention to someone/something; to heed.
Hazle caso a tu madre, ella sabe lo que dice.
— To follow the instructions.
Por favor, sigue las instrucciones cuidadosamente.
— To comply with the norms/rules.
Es responsabilidad de todos cumplir con las normas de convivencia.
— To be obligated to obey.
Como ciudadano, estás obligado a obedecer la ley.
— To obey without questioning.
En algunas situaciones, se espera que obedezcas sin cuestionar.
— To obey reason; to act logically.
Si obedeces a la razón, entenderás mi punto de vista.
يُخلط عادةً مع
'Seguir' means 'to follow' and is used for instructions or paths. 'Obedecer' specifically implies yielding to authority or a command, carrying a stronger sense of obligation.
'Acatar' is more formal and used for complying with laws or official decisions. 'Obedecer' can be used in more personal or immediate contexts.
'Hacer caso' means to heed or pay attention, implying responsiveness to advice rather than strict obedience to a command.
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
— This is a less common idiom, but it implies that once something has happened or a decision is made, it's irreversible and difficult to change or control. The 'no obedece' part suggests resistance to further control or amendment.
Le dije que no gastara todo el dinero, pero lo hizo. A palo dado, ni Dios lo cría, ni él obedece.
Informal— While this idiom doesn't directly contain 'obedecer', it relates to the idea of continuous learning and growth, which often involves learning to obey rules or follow guidance from a young age and throughout life. The opposite of constant learning could be stagnation or refusal to adapt.
Mi abuela siempre dice 'de la cama a la tumba, nunca se deja de aprender', y es verdad, siempre hay algo nuevo.
Neutral— This idiom means that some fundamental characteristics or destinies are hard to change, even with external pressure. In a way, it touches upon the idea of inherent nature versus imposed obedience. Someone might resist obeying if it goes against their fundamental nature.
Intentaron que se hiciera abogado, pero él siempre quiso ser músico. El que nace barrigón, ni que lo fajen chiquito.
Informal— This proverb highlights the benefits of diligence and starting early. While not directly about obedience, it implies a positive outcome from following a certain principle or 'rule' of life. In some contexts, obedience to such principles leads to success.
Me levanté temprano para estudiar y me fue muy bien en el examen. A quien madruga, Dios le ayuda.
Neutral— To lead, to be in charge, to call the shots. This is the opposite of obeying; it's about giving orders to be obeyed.
En esta casa, ella lleva la batuta.
Neutral— To be under someone's command. This directly implies the necessity to obey that person.
Los soldados están bajo el mando del general.
Neutral/Formal— To follow the guidelines. Similar to obeying rules.
Es importante seguir las directrices de seguridad.
Neutral/Formal— To abide by the decisions. Formal compliance.
Debemos acatar las decisiones del comité.
Formal— To not listen to anyone; to be stubborn.
Él no hace caso a nadie, siempre hace lo que quiere.
Informal— To be a good boy/girl. Often implies obedience and good behavior.
Siempre es un buen chico, obedece a sus padres y saca buenas notas.
Child-friendly/Informalسهل الخلط
Both can be used for instructions.
'Seguir' (to follow) is broader and can apply to paths, recipes, or general instructions. 'Obedecer' (to obey) specifically implies following commands or rules from an authority, often with a sense of duty or compulsion. You can 'seguir las instrucciones' (follow the instructions), but you 'obedecer a tu jefe' (obey your boss).
Sigue las instrucciones del mapa (Follow the map's instructions). El soldado obedeció la orden del capitán (The soldier obeyed the captain's order).
Both relate to adherence to something.
'Cumplir' means to fulfill, complete, or comply with a duty, promise, or obligation. It focuses on the successful execution or adherence. 'Obedecer' is about yielding to a command or authority. You 'cumplir una promesa' (fulfill a promise) but 'obedecer a tu padre' (obey your father). You can 'cumplir la ley' (comply with the law) and 'obedecer la ley' (obey the law), but 'cumplir' emphasizes the action of upholding it, while 'obedecer' emphasizes submission to it.
Cumplió con su trabajo a tiempo (He fulfilled his work on time). Obedeció la ley de tránsito (He obeyed the traffic law).
Both imply compliance.
'Acatar' is more formal and typically used for complying with laws, regulations, court decisions, or official decrees. It carries a sense of formal acceptance and adherence. 'Obedecer' is more general and can be used in personal, familial, or military contexts. You 'acatar una sentencia' (abide by a sentence) and 'obedecer a tu profesor' (obey your teacher).
La empresa debe acatar las nuevas regulaciones (The company must comply with the new regulations). El niño obedeció a su maestra (The child obeyed his teacher).
Both involve reacting to someone's words.
'Hacer caso' means to pay attention to, to heed, or to take notice of advice or warnings. It's less about strict obedience and more about listening and acting upon something. 'Obedecer' is a more direct and often obligatory act of following a command. You 'hacer caso a un consejo' (heed advice) but 'obedecer una orden' (obey an order).
Hazle caso a tu médico (Heed your doctor's advice). El perro obedeció la orden de sentarse (The dog obeyed the command to sit).
Often linked in practice.
'Respetar' means to respect, which is an attitude or feeling of esteem. 'Obedecer' means to obey, which is an action. While respect often leads to obedience, they are not the same. You can respect someone without always obeying them in every instance, and one might obey out of fear rather than respect. However, in many contexts, like respecting elders, obedience is an expected manifestation of that respect.
Debemos respetar a las personas mayores (We must respect older people). Los niños deben obedecer a sus mayores (Children must obey their elders).
أنماط الجُمل
Subject + obedecer.
El perro obedece.
Imperative + (a) + Object.
¡Obedece a mamá!
Subject + deber + obedecer + (a) + Object.
Los niños deben obedecer a sus padres.
Subject + obedecer + Object (rules/laws).
Obedecemos las reglas.
Preterite tense of obedecer.
Ella obedeció la orden ayer.
Si + Present Indicative, Future Simple.
Si obedeces, te irá bien.
Subject + querer que + Subject + Subjunctive + obedecer.
Quiero que obedezcas.
Infinitive 'obedecer' used as a noun or after prepositions.
El arte de obedecer es complejo.
عائلة الكلمة
الأسماء
الأفعال
الصفات
مرتبط
كيفية الاستخدام
High
-
Omitting the preposition 'a' before a person.
→
Obedecer a alguien.
In Spanish, direct objects that are people or personalized entities usually require the preposition 'a'. Forgetting this is a common error. Example: 'El niño obedece a su maestro.'
-
Incorrect conjugation (e.g., 'yo obedezo').
→
Yo obedezco.
Verbs ending in -cer often have a spelling change in the first person singular present indicative, using 'z' instead of 'c'. This is a regular pattern for verbs like 'conocer' and 'agradecer'.
-
Using 'obedecer' where 'seguir' or 'hacer caso' would be more natural.
→
Seguir las instrucciones / Hacerle caso a mi consejo.
'Obedecer' implies a stronger sense of authority and obligation. 'Seguir' is for following instructions or paths, and 'hacer caso' is for heeding advice or warnings. Using 'obedecer' might sound too forceful or inappropriate in less hierarchical contexts.
-
Confusing the object of obedience when it's a rule vs. a person.
→
Obedecer las reglas / Obedecer al policía.
The use of 'a' is inconsistent. Generally, rules or laws don't take 'a', but the person enforcing them does. Pay attention to whether the direct object is a person or an abstract concept.
-
Using the wrong tense for the context.
→
Past: 'Ella obedeció la orden.' Present: 'Ella obedece las reglas.'
Like any verb, 'obedecer' must be conjugated correctly for the time frame of the action. Ensure you are using the appropriate tense (present, preterite, imperfect, etc.) based on when the act of obeying occurred or is occurring.
نصائح
The Personal 'a'
Remember to use the preposition 'a' after 'obedecer' when the object is a person or a personalized entity (like 'la ley' sometimes, or 'la conciencia'). For example: 'Obedezco a mi jefe.' If it's a general rule or concept, 'a' is often omitted: 'Obedece las reglas'.
Stress and 'Z' Sound
The stress in 'obedecer' falls on the second-to-last syllable: o-be-DE-cer. Pay attention to the 'z' sound: it's like 'th' in Spain and 's' in Latin America. Practice saying it aloud: 'oh-beh-THEH-r' or 'oh-beh-SEH-r'.
Synonym Spectrum
While 'obedecer' is common, explore synonyms like 'seguir' (follow instructions), 'acatar' (comply with laws), and 'hacer caso' (heed advice) to express nuances in meaning. Each has a slightly different feel and formality.
Connect to English
Link 'obedecer' to the English word 'obedient'. Both share a root related to 'hearing' (Latin 'audire'), suggesting that obedience starts with listening.
Sentence Building
Create your own sentences using 'obedecer' in different tenses and contexts. Try describing a situation where someone obeyed, is obeying, or needs to obey. This active practice solidifies understanding.
Respect for Authority
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, respect for elders and authority is emphasized. 'Obedecer' is a key verb reflecting this cultural value, so understanding its usage provides insight into social dynamics.
Verb Endings
Remember that 'obedecer' is a regular -er verb. Practice its conjugations in the present, preterite, and imperfect tenses to ensure accuracy in your writing and speaking.
Antonym Practice
Learn the antonym 'desobedecer' (to disobey). Practicing pairs of antonyms helps reinforce the meaning of both words and understand the spectrum of compliance and defiance.
Listen Actively
When listening to Spanish, pay attention to when and how native speakers use 'obedecer'. Does it follow a person? Is it about rules? This active listening will improve your comprehension and usage.
احفظها
وسيلة تذكّر
Think of 'obey' and 'hear'. 'Obedecer' sounds a bit like 'obey' and also has the 'hear' root (audire). Imagine a soldier listening intently to an order ('hear') and then obeying it.
ربط بصري
Picture a dog sitting attentively, ears perked, waiting for a command from its owner. The owner says 'Obey!' and the dog immediately follows the instruction. The image connects the act of listening ('hear') with the action of obeying.
Word Web
تحدٍّ
Try to use 'obedecer' in five different sentences today, covering various contexts like obeying parents, following rules, and listening to advice. Make sure to use the correct conjugation and preposition 'a' where needed.
أصل الكلمة
The Spanish verb 'obedecer' comes from the Latin verb 'oboedire', which itself is derived from 'ob-' (meaning 'towards', 'in the direction of') and 'audire' (meaning 'to hear'). So, literally, it meant 'to hear towards' or 'to listen to'. This etymological connection highlights the idea that obedience begins with paying attention to what is said.
المعنى الأصلي: To hear, to listen to, and consequently, to obey.
Indo-European > Italic > Latin > Romance > Spanishالسياق الثقافي
The concept of obedience can be sensitive. While necessary for order and safety (e.g., obeying traffic laws), blind obedience can be seen as negative, leading to unquestioning compliance with unjust or harmful orders. Discussions around 'obedecer' can sometimes touch upon themes of freedom, autonomy, and critical thinking versus conformity.
In English-speaking cultures, while obedience is taught, there's often a greater emphasis on questioning authority and fostering independent thought from a younger age compared to some traditional Spanish-speaking contexts. However, the core meaning of 'to obey' is universal.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
Family and Home
- ¡Obedece a tu madre!
- Los niños deben obedecer a sus padres.
- Obedece las reglas de la casa.
School and Education
- Obedece las instrucciones del profesor.
- Los estudiantes deben obedecer las normas escolares.
- Hay que obedecer al director.
Laws and Society
- Debemos obedecer las leyes.
- Los ciudadanos tienen que obedecer las normas de tráfico.
- La empresa obedeció el mandato judicial.
Workplace
- Obedece las órdenes de tu supervisor.
- El empleado obedeció las directrices de seguridad.
- Tienes que obedecer la política de la empresa.
Pets and Training
- Mi perro obedece a todas mis órdenes.
- Enséñale a obedecer.
- El perro obedeció la señal.
بدايات محادثة
"¿Qué pasa si alguien no obedece las leyes?"
"¿Crees que es importante que los niños obedezcan a sus padres siempre?"
"¿En qué situaciones es difícil obedecer?"
"¿Qué significa para ti obedecer?"
"¿Has tenido alguna vez que obedecer una orden que no te gustaba?"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
Describe un momento en tu vida en el que tuviste que obedecer a alguien. ¿Cómo te sentiste?
Escribe sobre una regla que crees que es importante obedecer y por qué.
Imagina que eres un líder. ¿Qué tipo de órdenes darías y esperarías que te obedezcan?
Reflexiona sobre la diferencia entre obedecer por miedo y obedecer por convicción.
Escribe una pequeña historia donde un personaje principal tiene que tomar una decisión difícil entre obedecer una orden o seguir su conciencia.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةThe main meaning of 'obedecer' is 'to obey' or 'to comply with' a command, rule, or instruction. It signifies following the directives of someone in authority or adhering to established guidelines.
You generally use the preposition 'a' when 'obedecer' is followed by a person or a specific entity that is being obeyed. For example: 'obedecer a mi padre', 'obedecer a la ley' (though 'leyes' without 'a' is also common). If the object is an abstract rule or concept without personal agency, 'a' is often omitted: 'obedecer las reglas'.
'Seguir' means 'to follow' and is more general. You can follow instructions, a path, or advice. 'Obedecer' specifically implies yielding to an authority or command, carrying a stronger sense of obligation and hierarchy. For example, you 'seguir las instrucciones' (follow the instructions) but 'obedecer a tu jefe' (obey your boss).
In the present tense, 'obedecer' is conjugated as follows: yo obedezco, tú obedeces, él/ella/usted obedece, nosotros obedecemos, vosotros obedecéis, ellos/ellas/ustedes obedecen. Note the 'z' in the 'yo' form.
Yes, common mistakes include forgetting the preposition 'a' when referring to people, incorrect conjugation (especially the 'yo' form), and confusing it with similar verbs like 'seguir' or 'hacer caso'.
Absolutely. 'Obedecer' is used in formal contexts such as legal discussions ('obedecer la ley'), military settings ('obedecer órdenes'), and official instructions.
The direct antonym is 'desobedecer', which means 'to disobey'. Other related words that signify defiance include 'rebelarse' (to rebel) and 'desafiar' (to defy).
The main difference is the pronunciation of the 'z'. In most of Spain, it's pronounced like the 'th' in 'thin' (/θ/). In Latin America, it's pronounced like an 's' (/s/). The stress is always on the second-to-last syllable: o-be-DE-cer.
The noun form is 'obediencia', which means 'obedience'. The adjective form is 'obediente', meaning 'obedient'.
Not necessarily. While it can be used in contexts of oppression, 'obedecer' is often neutral and essential for social order, safety, and learning. For example, obeying traffic laws or a doctor's instructions is positive and necessary.
اختبر نفسك 161 أسئلة
El niño ______ a su papá.
¡______ la señal!
Los estudiantes deben ______ las reglas del colegio.
Ayer, el perro ______ a su dueño.
Si no obedeces las reglas, podrías ______ problemas.
El soldado obedeció la orden de avanzar sin ______.
Se espera que los nuevos reclutas obedezcan ______ las órdenes.
La ciudadanía tiene el deber de obedecer la ______.
El dilema ético radicaba en si debían obedecer la ley o su ______.
Los revolucionarios instaban a la población a ______ el régimen opresor.
La resistencia a obedecer órdenes injustas es un pilar de la ética de la ______.
La psicología conductista explora los mecanismos por los cuales los organismos aprenden a obedecer ______.
¿Por qué no ______ las instrucciones?
El soldado obedeció la orden de avanzar sin ______.
La ciudadanía tiene el deber de obedecer la ______.
El dilema ético radicaba en si debían obedecer la ley o su ______.
Write two sentences about obeying rules at school. Use the verb 'obedecer'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe a situation where someone had to choose between obeying an order and following their conscience. Use the verb 'obedecer'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a short paragraph discussing the importance of obeying laws in a society. Use 'obedecer' at least twice.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Compose a short dialogue between a parent and a child where the child questions why they need to obey a certain rule. Use 'obedecer' and related concepts.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a reflective paragraph on the ethical implications of obedience and disobedience in a historical context. Use 'obedecer' and its related terms.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about obeying your teacher.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about obeying traffic laws.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about a dog obeying its owner.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about obeying one's conscience.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Write a sentence about the concept of unquestioning obedience.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
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Perfect score!
Summary
The Spanish verb 'obedecer' means 'to obey' or 'to comply with.' It's used when following commands, rules, or instructions from an authority figure or established guidelines. Remember to use the preposition 'a' when referring to the person or entity being obeyed.
- To obey; to comply with a command, rule, or request.
- Used for following orders from authority, rules, or instructions.
- Conjugated as a regular -er verb, often uses 'a' before people.
- Essential for understanding social structures and compliance.
The Personal 'a'
Remember to use the preposition 'a' after 'obedecer' when the object is a person or a personalized entity (like 'la ley' sometimes, or 'la conciencia'). For example: 'Obedezco a mi jefe.' If it's a general rule or concept, 'a' is often omitted: 'Obedece las reglas'.
Stress and 'Z' Sound
The stress in 'obedecer' falls on the second-to-last syllable: o-be-DE-cer. Pay attention to the 'z' sound: it's like 'th' in Spain and 's' in Latin America. Practice saying it aloud: 'oh-beh-THEH-r' or 'oh-beh-SEH-r'.
Context is Key
'Obedecer' is used in many contexts, from family to law. Think about who is giving the command and who is obeying. This will help you choose the right words and understand the nuance of the situation.
Synonym Spectrum
While 'obedecer' is common, explore synonyms like 'seguir' (follow instructions), 'acatar' (comply with laws), and 'hacer caso' (heed advice) to express nuances in meaning. Each has a slightly different feel and formality.
محتوى ذو صلة
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
مزيد من كلمات society
adulta
A2Adult (female); a woman who is fully grown or developed.
aldea
A2قرية صغيرة أو تجمع سكني في منطقة ريفية.
amenaza
A2التهديد هو إعلان عن نية إلحاق الضرر.
amenazar
B1هدد شخصًا بشيء ما.
amiga
A1صديقة. شخص أنثى تربطك بها علاقة مودة وصداقة.
Amigo
A1الصديق هو شخص تربطك به علاقة مودة. هو صديقي المفضل منذ الطفولة.
anciano
A2الشيخ هو شخص متقدم في السن.
aparte
A2كلمة 'aparte' تعني بشكل منفصل أو جانبي. مثال: 'ضع هذا جانباً'.
apoyar
A2من المهم أن تدعم أصدقائك في الأوقات الصعبة.
apoyo
A2كلمة 'apoyo' تعني الدعم أو المساعدة، سواء كانت مادية أو معنوية.
