obrigação
obrigação في 30 ثانية
- Obrigação means duty or requirement, covering both legal and moral contexts in Portuguese.
- It is a feminine noun, used with 'ter a obrigação de' to express necessity.
- The word is essential for discussing laws, contracts, chores, and social expectations.
- Commonly confused with 'dever', it often implies a more specific or external pressure.
The Portuguese word obrigação is a cornerstone of social, legal, and personal discourse. At its most fundamental level, it refers to a duty, a requirement, or a necessity to act in a certain way. Derived from the Latin obligatio, it carries the weight of being 'bound' to a specific course of action. In the Lusophone world, this isn't just about legal contracts; it's deeply embedded in the fabric of family loyalty and social etiquette. When you have an obrigação, you are not merely performing a task; you are fulfilling a role that society or your conscience has assigned to you. This word bridges the gap between the external pressure of the law and the internal pressure of morality.
- Legal Context
- Refers to a binding agreement or a statutory requirement that must be fulfilled to avoid penalties.
- Moral Context
- Refers to the internal sense of 'should'—the feeling that one must help a friend or care for a parent.
- Financial Context
- Often used to describe debts or financial commitments, such as monthly bills or tax liabilities.
"É nossa obrigação cuidar do meio ambiente para as futuras gerações."
To understand obrigação, one must look at the verb obrigar (to force/oblige). However, the noun often takes on a softer, more routine tone in daily life. For instance, 'obrigações domésticas' simply means household chores. It’s the 'must-do' list of existence. In a professional setting, your 'obrigações contratuais' are the specific deliverables you signed up for. The word can also imply a sense of gratitude; in older or more formal Portuguese, one might say 'muito obrigado' (much obliged), which literally means 'I am bound/obligated to you' because of the favor you did for me.
"O cidadão cumpriu sua obrigação eleitoral ao votar no domingo."
"Não é uma escolha, é uma obrigação legal."
"Ele sente a obrigação moral de ajudar a família."
"As obrigações fiscais devem ser pagas até o fim do mês."
- Etymology
- From Latin obligatio, meaning a binding or a bond.
- Grammar
- Feminine noun. Plural: obrigações.
In summary, whether you are talking about paying taxes, cleaning your room, or standing up for a friend, obrigação is the word that defines the boundaries of what is required of you. It is the invisible thread that connects individual actions to social expectations.
Using obrigação correctly requires understanding its collocations and the prepositions that typically follow it. Most commonly, we use the structure ter a obrigação de + [infinitive verb]. This translates directly to 'having the obligation to [do something]'. It is a powerful way to express necessity without using the more common 'ter que' (to have to). While 'ter que' is informal and functional, 'ter a obrigação de' adds a layer of seriousness or formality.
- Common Structure 1
- Sujeito + ter + obrigação + de + verbo (Ex: Eu tenho a obrigação de estudar).
- Common Structure 2
- É + obrigação + de + alguém + verbo (Ex: É obrigação do governo investir em saúde).
"Você tem a obrigação de chegar no horário combinado."
In business and law, the word is often pluralized. 'Obrigações' can refer to a company's liabilities or the specific clauses in a contract. You will see phrases like 'cumprir com as obrigações' (to fulfill obligations) or 'faltar com as obrigações' (to fail in one's duties). Note the use of the preposition 'com' when talking about fulfilling or failing. This nuance is crucial for sounding natural in a professional Portuguese environment.
Another interesting usage is in the context of social 'favors'. If someone does something for you, and you feel you must reciprocate, you might say 'estou em obrigação com você' (though 'estou em dívida' is more common). In some regions, 'obrigação' can also refer to religious duties, particularly in Afro-Brazilian religions like Candomblé, where it refers to specific rituals or offerings that a practitioner must perform.
"Não faça isso por obrigação, faça por vontade própria."
Finally, consider the register. In casual conversation, using 'obrigação' can sound a bit heavy or even confrontational. If a mother tells a child 'É sua obrigação!', it’s a firm command. If a friend says 'Não é sua obrigação me ajudar', they are being kind and releasing you from pressure. Understanding the emotional weight of this word is just as important as knowing its definition.
You will encounter obrigação in a variety of settings, ranging from the extremely formal to the mundane. In the news, it is frequently used in political and economic segments. Reporters might discuss the 'obrigações fiscais' of the state or the 'obrigação de transparência' of public officials. In these contexts, the word emphasizes the legal and ethical requirements of those in power.
- In the Workplace
- During performance reviews or when discussing job descriptions (Ex: 'Suas obrigações incluem...').
- In the Family
- When discussing chores or care for elders (Ex: 'Cuidar dos pais é uma obrigação moral').
- In Legal Documents
- Contracts, terms of service, and laws are filled with this term.
"O contrato detalha todas as obrigações da empresa contratada."
In Brazil, you might hear it in the context of 'voto obrigatório' (compulsory voting). Brazilians often say 'votar é uma obrigação', reflecting the legal requirement for citizens between 18 and 70 to participate in elections. This is a common topic of debate in cafes and social gatherings, where people discuss whether voting should remain an obrigação or become a choice.
In schools, teachers use the word to remind students of their 'obrigações escolares', such as homework and attendance. It sets a tone of discipline. On the other hand, in religious contexts, especially in Brazil, 'fazer a obrigação' has a very specific meaning related to ritual duties within Candomblé or Umbanda, showing the word's versatility across different cultural spheres.
"Ele não cumpriu com suas obrigações de pai."
Whether you're reading a lease agreement, listening to a sermon, or being scolded by a boss, obrigação is the word that signals a non-negotiable expectation. It is ubiquitous because the concept of duty is central to organized society.
One of the most frequent mistakes learners make is confusing obrigação with the word 'dever'. While they are often interchangeable, 'dever' is more general and can be both a noun and a verb. 'Obrigação' is strictly a noun and usually implies a more specific, often external, pressure. For example, you 'deve' (should) be polite, but you have the 'obrigação' (obligation) to pay your rent.
- Mistake: Gender Agreement
- Saying 'o obrigação'. Correct: 'a obrigação' (it's feminine).
- Mistake: Preposition Use
- Saying 'obrigação para fazer'. Correct: 'obrigação de fazer'.
- Mistake: Confusion with 'Obrigado'
- Using 'obrigação' when you mean 'thank you'. Use 'obrigado/a' for thanks.
"Eu tenho o obrigação de ir."
"Eu tenho a obrigação de ir."
Another common error is using 'obrigação' when 'compromisso' (commitment/appointment) would be more appropriate. If you have a meeting with a friend, it’s a compromisso. If you call it an obrigação, it sounds like you don't want to go and only are doing it because you have to. This can inadvertently offend people by making social interactions sound like chores.
Learners also struggle with the plural form 'obrigações'. Remember that words ending in '-ção' change to '-ções' in the plural. This is a standard rule, but in the heat of conversation, students often say 'obrigaçãos', which is incorrect. Practice the nasal 'ões' sound to ensure you are understood clearly when discussing multiple duties.
"Muitas pessoas confundem obrigação com falta de liberdade."
Finally, be careful with the phrase 'por obrigação'. If you say you did something 'por obrigação', it implies a total lack of passion or interest. It’s the opposite of doing something 'de coração' (from the heart). Use it carefully to avoid sounding cold or resentful.
To truly master obrigação, you must understand its synonyms and how they differ in nuance. The most common synonym is dever. While 'obrigação' feels like a weight or a rule, 'dever' often feels like a moral principle. You have a 'dever' to be a good citizen, which includes the 'obrigação' of paying taxes.
- Tarefa
- A specific task or chore. Less heavy than 'obrigação'. (Ex: Lavar a louça é uma tarefa).
- Compromisso
- A commitment or appointment. Implies a social agreement. (Ex: Tenho um compromisso às 14h).
- Incumbência
- A formal assignment or mission given by someone else. (Ex: Recebi a incumbência de organizar a festa).
"O dever chama, mas a obrigação pressiona."
Another related word is responsabilidade. This is the state of being accountable. You might have the 'obrigação' to finish a report, but you have the 'responsabilidade' for its accuracy. One is the act you must do, the other is the weight of the outcome. In a professional context, these are often used together: 'É sua responsabilidade cumprir suas obrigações'.
For legal contexts, ônus is a more sophisticated term. It refers to the 'burden' of proof or a financial burden. While 'obrigação' is the general term, 'ônus' is what you find in courtrooms. Conversely, exigência refers to a requirement or demand made by someone. If a job requires a degree, that is an 'exigência', not necessarily an 'obrigação' until you are hired and bound by it.
"Não confunda uma simples tarefa com uma obrigação contratual."
Understanding these distinctions allows you to choose the word that fits the level of intensity you want to convey. Use 'tarefa' for small things, 'compromisso' for social things, 'dever' for moral things, and 'obrigação' for the non-negotiables.
How Formal Is It?
مستوى الصعوبة
قواعد يجب معرفتها
Plural of words ending in -ção
Nasal vowels (ão)
Noun-adjective agreement
Infinitive verbs after prepositions
Impersonal 'É' constructions
أمثلة حسب المستوى
Eu tenho a obrigação de estudar.
I have the obligation to study.
Uses 'ter a obrigação de' + infinitive.
É sua obrigação limpar o quarto.
It is your duty to clean the room.
Impersonal 'É' + noun.
Não é uma obrigação.
It is not an obligation.
Negative construction.
Qual é a minha obrigação?
What is my duty?
Interrogative sentence.
Temos obrigações na escola.
We have obligations at school.
Plural form 'obrigações'.
Votar é uma obrigação aqui.
Voting is an obligation here.
Infinitive as a subject.
Ela faz tudo por obrigação.
She does everything out of obligation.
Preposition 'por' indicating cause.
Minha única obrigação é ser feliz.
My only obligation is to be happy.
Adjective 'única' modifying the noun.
Ele cumpriu sua obrigação diária.
He fulfilled his daily duty.
Verb 'cumprir' (to fulfill).
Quais são as obrigações da casa?
What are the household chores?
Plural agreement.
Você não tem obrigação de ficar.
You have no obligation to stay.
Negation of the verb 'ter'.
É obrigação dos pais cuidar dos filhos.
It is the parents' duty to care for their children.
Genitive 'dos pais'.
Trabalhar é uma obrigação para muitos.
Working is an obligation for many.
Preposition 'para'.
Eu sinto essa obrigação.
I feel this obligation.
Demonstrative 'essa'.
Não esqueça sua obrigação.
Don't forget your duty.
Imperative mood.
Temos a obrigação de ajudar o próximo.
We have the duty to help others.
Collective 'nós' form.
A empresa tem obrigações legais com os funcionários.
The company has legal obligations to the employees.
Adjective 'legais' modifying the plural noun.
Ele age sempre por senso de obrigação.
He always acts out of a sense of duty.
Compound noun 'senso de obrigação'.
Faltar com a obrigação pode gerar multas.
Failing in one's duty can result in fines.
Expression 'faltar com a obrigação'.
Ela se sente sob obrigação de retribuir o favor.
She feels under obligation to return the favor.
Prepositional phrase 'sob obrigação'.
Quais obrigações fiscais eu tenho este mês?
What tax obligations do I have this month?
Specific adjective 'fiscais'.
A obrigação moral é mais forte que a lei.
Moral obligation is stronger than the law.
Comparative structure.
Não podemos fugir das nossas obrigações.
We cannot run away from our duties.
Verb 'fugir de'.
O contrato estabelece obrigações mútuas.
The contract establishes mutual obligations.
Adjective 'mútuas'.
O descumprimento da obrigação resultou em rescisão.
The failure to fulfill the obligation resulted in termination.
Noun 'descumprimento' (breach).
É uma obrigação inerente ao cargo que você ocupa.
It is an obligation inherent to the position you hold.
Adjective 'inerente'.
As obrigações acessórias são fundamentais no direito tributário.
Ancillary obligations are fundamental in tax law.
Technical term 'obrigações acessórias'.
Ele foi liberado de qualquer obrigação futura.
He was released from any future obligation.
Passive voice 'foi liberado'.
A solidariedade é uma obrigação social implícita.
Solidarity is an implicit social obligation.
Adjective 'implícita'.
Devemos ponderar entre obrigação e desejo.
We must weigh between duty and desire.
Verb 'ponderar'.
A obrigação de indenizar surge após o dano.
The obligation to compensate arises after the damage.
Legal phrasing.
Ela assumiu a obrigação de cuidar do projeto.
She took on the obligation of taking care of the project.
Verb 'assumir'.
A obrigação fiduciária exige lealdade absoluta.
Fiduciary duty requires absolute loyalty.
High-level legal vocabulary.
Houve uma transmutação da obrigação natural em civil.
There was a transmutation of natural obligation into civil.
Complex noun 'transmutação'.
O sujeito passivo da obrigação deve ser identificado.
The passive subject of the obligation must be identified.
Legal term 'sujeito passivo'.
A cláusula penal reforça a obrigação principal.
The penal clause reinforces the main obligation.
Contractual terminology.
A ética kantiana foca na obrigação categórica.
Kantian ethics focuses on the categorical imperative/obligation.
Philosophical context.
A extinção da obrigação ocorreu por novação.
The extinction of the obligation occurred by novation.
Legal term 'novação'.
A obrigação de prestar contas é inafastável.
The duty to provide accounts is unavoidable.
Adjective 'inafastável'.
O vínculo de obrigação une as partes contratantes.
The bond of obligation unites the contracting parties.
Metaphorical use of 'vínculo'.
A ontologia da obrigação reside na alteridade.
The ontology of obligation resides in alterity.
Highly academic register.
A obrigação 'propter rem' acompanha a coisa.
The 'propter rem' obligation follows the thing/property.
Latin legal phrase used in Portuguese.
O inadimplemento fortuito exclui a obrigação de reparar.
Fortuitous non-performance excludes the obligation to repair.
Advanced legal defense terminology.
A obrigação de não fazer implica uma abstenção.
The obligation not to do implies an abstention.
Legal concept of negative obligation.
A complexidade das obrigações sinalagmáticas é notória.
The complexity of synallagmatic obligations is notorious.
Technical term 'sinalagmáticas'.
A purgação da mora extingue os efeitos do atraso na obrigação.
The purging of default extinguishes the effects of delay in the obligation.
Archaic/Technical legal phrasing.
A obrigação de meio não garante o êxito final.
The obligation of means does not guarantee the final success.
Distinction between 'meio' and 'resultado'.
A coercibilidade é um elemento essencial da obrigação jurídica.
Coercibility is an essential element of legal obligation.
Abstract legal theory.
تلازمات شائعة
العبارات الشائعة
يُخلط عادةً مع
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
سهل الخلط
أنماط الجُمل
كيفية الاستخدام
Obrigação is stronger and more specific than dever.
Obrigações is the standard way to talk about general duties.
Saying 'faço por obrigação' can sound rude.
- Using 'o obrigação' instead of 'a obrigação'.
- Saying 'obrigação para' instead of 'obrigação de'.
- Confusing 'obrigação' with 'obrigado' (thank you).
- Using 'obrigação' for a casual meeting (use 'compromisso' instead).
- Mispronouncing the plural 'obrigações' as 'obrigaçãos'.
نصائح
Plural Rule
Always change -ção to -ções. One obrigação, two obrigações.
Politeness
Saying 'Não é sua obrigação' is a great way to show appreciation when someone helps you.
Legal Use
In contracts, look for 'obrigações das partes' to see what everyone must do.
Nasal Tone
Practice the 'ão' sound by trying to say 'ow' through your nose.
Formal Tone
Use 'obrigação' in professional emails to sound more serious about tasks.
Voting
Remember that in Brazil, 'voto' is an 'obrigação', not just a right.
Link it
Link 'Obrigação' to 'Obligation' - they look and mean almost the same thing!
Preposition
Always use 'de' after 'obrigação' when followed by a verb.
Work
Your 'job description' can be called 'suas obrigações no cargo'.
Avoid 'Obrigação'
Don't tell a friend 'é sua obrigação vir à minha festa' unless you want to sound bossy.
احفظها
أصل الكلمة
Latin
السياق الثقافي
Compulsory voting and religious rituals (Candomblé).
Formal bureaucratic and legal precision.
Doing things 'por obrigação' is often looked down upon compared to doing them 'de coração'.
تدرّب في الحياة الواقعية
سياقات واقعية
بدايات محادثة
"Você acha que o voto deveria ser uma obrigação?"
"Quais são as suas obrigações no trabalho?"
"Você faz as coisas por prazer ou por obrigação?"
"Qual é a obrigação mais difícil que você tem hoje?"
"Você sente a obrigação de ajudar estranhos?"
مواضيع للكتابة اليومية
Escreva sobre uma obrigação que você gosta de cumprir.
Descreva as obrigações de um bom cidadão.
Como você equilibra suas obrigações e seu tempo livre?
Existe alguma obrigação social que você não concorda?
Reflita sobre a diferença entre dever e obrigação na sua vida.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةYes, it is always 'a obrigação', regardless of who is performing the duty.
'Obrigação' is often more specific and externally imposed, while 'dever' is more general and moral.
No, you must use 'obrigado' or 'obrigada'. 'Obrigação' is only the noun for 'duty'.
You can say 'obrigações domésticas' or 'tarefas de casa'.
It is mandatory in Brazil (for most), but not in Portugal.
It means doing something only because you have to, often without any desire or interest.
It refers to the duty to pay taxes and follow financial laws.
It ends with a nasal 'o-ish' sound: oh-bree-gah-SOYNS.
Yes, especially in Afro-Brazilian religions like Candomblé.
'Ter que' is more common and informal; 'ter a obrigação de' is more formal and emphasizes the duty.
اختبر نفسك 180 أسئلة
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Obrigação is the definitive Portuguese term for 'must-do' actions, ranging from paying taxes to fulfilling family roles, emphasizing the bond between an individual and their required actions.
- Obrigação means duty or requirement, covering both legal and moral contexts in Portuguese.
- It is a feminine noun, used with 'ter a obrigação de' to express necessity.
- The word is essential for discussing laws, contracts, chores, and social expectations.
- Commonly confused with 'dever', it often implies a more specific or external pressure.
Plural Rule
Always change -ção to -ções. One obrigação, two obrigações.
Politeness
Saying 'Não é sua obrigação' is a great way to show appreciation when someone helps you.
Legal Use
In contracts, look for 'obrigações das partes' to see what everyone must do.
Nasal Tone
Practice the 'ão' sound by trying to say 'ow' through your nose.
محتوى ذو صلة
مزيد من كلمات family
à medida que
A2As; at the same time that.
abençoado
A2إنه رجل مبارك.
abrigo
A2المأوى آمن للجميع.
acarinhar
A2مداعبة شخص ما أو إظهار المودة له بلطف.
aceito
A2مقبول؛ معترف به بشكل عام أو متفق عليه. 'تم قبول الدفع' (O pagamento foi aceito).
acenar
A2يومئ أو يلوح بيده أو برأسه للتحية أو الموافقة.
acolher
A2To receive (a guest or new member) with pleasure and hospitality.
acolhimento
A2الترحيب أو الاستضافة الحارة. 'كان الاستقبال في الفندق رائعاً جداً.'
acolitar
B2مساعدة أو مرافقة شخص ما، مع تقديم العون أو الدعم أو الرفقة. / تقديم دعم نشط لشخص أو مجموعة، غالبًا من خلال التواجد الجسدي وتقديم المساعدة الملموسة أو المعنوية.
acomodar
A2الفعل 'acomodar' يعني توفير مكان للإقامة أو ترتيب الأشياء في مساحة ما.