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A2 noun #2,500 más común 9 min de lectura

obrigação

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos obrigação en 30 segundos
Explicación obrigação in your Level:
At the A1 level, 'obrigação' is a word you might encounter when talking about basic rules or things you 'must' do. Think of it as a stronger version of 'preciso' (I need). You might hear a teacher say 'É obrigação trazer o livro' (It is an obligation to bring the book). At this stage, you don't need to use it in complex sentences. Just recognize that it means something is not optional. It is often linked to daily routines and simple instructions. You can use it to express that you have no choice in a matter, like 'Tenho a obrigação de trabalhar hoje'. It helps you understand the basic structure of rules in a Portuguese-speaking environment.
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At the A2 level, you start using 'obrigação' to describe your daily duties and social responsibilities. You can form sentences like 'Tenho muitas obrigações em casa' (I have many chores/obligations at home). You begin to distinguish between things you want to do and things you have to do. This level focuses on the practical application: chores, school requirements, and simple workplace tasks. You should be able to use the feminine article 'a' correctly and form the plural 'obrigações'. You also start to see it in phrases like 'voto obrigatório', helping you understand basic cultural facts about Lusophone countries.
At the B1 level, 'obrigação' moves into the realm of social and moral expectations. You can discuss your feelings about these duties. For example, 'Sinto a obrigação de ajudar meus amigos' (I feel the obligation to help my friends). You begin to use the word in more complex grammatical structures, such as 'Apesar de ser uma obrigação, eu gosto de fazer isso' (Despite being an obligation, I like doing it). You also start to encounter the word in more formal contexts, like bank documents or simple contracts, and you can explain why something is an obligation using connecting words like 'porque' or 'visto que'.
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At the B2 level, you use 'obrigação' with nuance and precision. You can distinguish it from 'dever', 'compromisso', and 'responsabilidade'. You are comfortable using it in professional settings to discuss 'obrigações contratuais' or 'obrigações fiscais'. You can participate in debates about social obligations, such as whether certain civic duties should be mandatory. Your vocabulary expands to include related expressions like 'cumprir com as obrigações' or 'estar isento de obrigação' (to be exempt from obligation). You understand the cultural weight of the word in different Lusophone societies and can use it to express complex ethical dilemmas.
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At the C1 level, you explore the philosophical and legal depths of 'obrigação'. You can discuss the 'teoria das obrigações' in a legal sense or the 'obrigação moral' in a philosophical debate. You use the word in academic or highly professional writing with perfect collocations. You understand the historical etymology and how it affects the word's usage in literature. You can use the word to describe subtle social pressures and the 'ônus' (burden) that comes with certain positions of power. Your use of the word is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the ability to use it ironically or metaphorically in sophisticated conversation.
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At the C2 level, 'obrigação' is a tool for precise legal, literary, and philosophical expression. You can analyze the nuances between 'obrigação de meio' and 'obrigação de resultado' in legal contracts. You understand the word's role in classical Portuguese literature and its evolution over centuries. You can use it to discuss complex international treaties or deep-seated cultural taboos. Your mastery includes the ability to use the word in any register, from the most archaic legal text to the most modern slang-inflected social commentary, always with the correct emotional and cultural resonance. You can deconstruct the concept of obligation itself using this term.
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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

obrigação en 30 segundos

  • 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."

— A common sentiment regarding environmental responsibility.

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?

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

Plural of words ending in -ção

Nasal vowels (ão)

Noun-adjective agreement

Infinitive verbs after prepositions

Impersonal 'É' constructions

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Ejemplos por nivel

1

Eu tenho a obrigação de estudar.

I have the obligation to study.

Uses 'ter a obrigação de' + infinitive.

2

É sua obrigação limpar o quarto.

It is your duty to clean the room.

Impersonal 'É' + noun.

3

Não é uma obrigação.

It is not an obligation.

Negative construction.

4

Qual é a minha obrigação?

What is my duty?

Interrogative sentence.

5

Temos obrigações na escola.

We have obligations at school.

Plural form 'obrigações'.

6

Votar é uma obrigação aqui.

Voting is an obligation here.

Infinitive as a subject.

7

Ela faz tudo por obrigação.

She does everything out of obligation.

Preposition 'por' indicating cause.

8

Minha única obrigação é ser feliz.

My only obligation is to be happy.

Adjective 'única' modifying the noun.

1

Ele cumpriu sua obrigação diária.

He fulfilled his daily duty.

Verb 'cumprir' (to fulfill).

2

Quais são as obrigações da casa?

What are the household chores?

Plural agreement.

3

Você não tem obrigação de ficar.

You have no obligation to stay.

Negation of the verb 'ter'.

4

É obrigação dos pais cuidar dos filhos.

It is the parents' duty to care for their children.

Genitive 'dos pais'.

5

Trabalhar é uma obrigação para muitos.

Working is an obligation for many.

Preposition 'para'.

6

Eu sinto essa obrigação.

I feel this obligation.

Demonstrative 'essa'.

7

Não esqueça sua obrigação.

Don't forget your duty.

Imperative mood.

8

Temos a obrigação de ajudar o próximo.

We have the duty to help others.

Collective 'nós' form.

1

A empresa tem obrigações legais com os funcionários.

The company has legal obligations to the employees.

Adjective 'legais' modifying the plural noun.

2

Ele age sempre por senso de obrigação.

He always acts out of a sense of duty.

Compound noun 'senso de obrigação'.

3

Faltar com a obrigação pode gerar multas.

Failing in one's duty can result in fines.

Expression 'faltar com a obrigação'.

4

Ela se sente sob obrigação de retribuir o favor.

She feels under obligation to return the favor.

Prepositional phrase 'sob obrigação'.

5

Quais obrigações fiscais eu tenho este mês?

What tax obligations do I have this month?

Specific adjective 'fiscais'.

6

A obrigação moral é mais forte que a lei.

Moral obligation is stronger than the law.

Comparative structure.

7

Não podemos fugir das nossas obrigações.

We cannot run away from our duties.

Verb 'fugir de'.

8

O contrato estabelece obrigações mútuas.

The contract establishes mutual obligations.

Adjective 'mútuas'.

1

O descumprimento da obrigação resultou em rescisão.

The failure to fulfill the obligation resulted in termination.

Noun 'descumprimento' (breach).

2

É uma obrigação inerente ao cargo que você ocupa.

It is an obligation inherent to the position you hold.

Adjective 'inerente'.

3

As obrigações acessórias são fundamentais no direito tributário.

Ancillary obligations are fundamental in tax law.

Technical term 'obrigações acessórias'.

4

Ele foi liberado de qualquer obrigação futura.

He was released from any future obligation.

Passive voice 'foi liberado'.

5

A solidariedade é uma obrigação social implícita.

Solidarity is an implicit social obligation.

Adjective 'implícita'.

6

Devemos ponderar entre obrigação e desejo.

We must weigh between duty and desire.

Verb 'ponderar'.

7

A obrigação de indenizar surge após o dano.

The obligation to compensate arises after the damage.

Legal phrasing.

8

Ela assumiu a obrigação de cuidar do projeto.

She took on the obligation of taking care of the project.

Verb 'assumir'.

1

A obrigação fiduciária exige lealdade absoluta.

Fiduciary duty requires absolute loyalty.

High-level legal vocabulary.

2

Houve uma transmutação da obrigação natural em civil.

There was a transmutation of natural obligation into civil.

Complex noun 'transmutação'.

3

O sujeito passivo da obrigação deve ser identificado.

The passive subject of the obligation must be identified.

Legal term 'sujeito passivo'.

4

A cláusula penal reforça a obrigação principal.

The penal clause reinforces the main obligation.

Contractual terminology.

5

A ética kantiana foca na obrigação categórica.

Kantian ethics focuses on the categorical imperative/obligation.

Philosophical context.

6

A extinção da obrigação ocorreu por novação.

The extinction of the obligation occurred by novation.

Legal term 'novação'.

7

A obrigação de prestar contas é inafastável.

The duty to provide accounts is unavoidable.

Adjective 'inafastável'.

8

O vínculo de obrigação une as partes contratantes.

The bond of obligation unites the contracting parties.

Metaphorical use of 'vínculo'.

1

A ontologia da obrigação reside na alteridade.

The ontology of obligation resides in alterity.

Highly academic register.

2

A obrigação 'propter rem' acompanha a coisa.

The 'propter rem' obligation follows the thing/property.

Latin legal phrase used in Portuguese.

3

O inadimplemento fortuito exclui a obrigação de reparar.

Fortuitous non-performance excludes the obligation to repair.

Advanced legal defense terminology.

4

A obrigação de não fazer implica uma abstenção.

The obligation not to do implies an abstention.

Legal concept of negative obligation.

5

A complexidade das obrigações sinalagmáticas é notória.

The complexity of synallagmatic obligations is notorious.

Technical term 'sinalagmáticas'.

6

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.

7

A obrigação de meio não garante o êxito final.

The obligation of means does not guarantee the final success.

Distinction between 'meio' and 'resultado'.

8

A coercibilidade é um elemento essencial da obrigação jurídica.

Coercibility is an essential element of legal obligation.

Abstract legal theory.

Colocaciones comunes

cumprir obrigação
ter obrigação
obrigação legal
obrigação moral
obrigação fiscal
sob obrigação
faltar com a obrigação
isenção de obrigação
vínculo de obrigação
obrigação contratual

Frases Comunes

É minha obrigação.
Não é sua obrigação.
Por obrigação.
Obrigações da casa.
Obrigações fiscais.
Senso de obrigação.
Cumprir com as obrigações.
Fazer a obrigação.
Obrigação de votar.
Obrigação de ajudar.

Se confunde a menudo con

obrigação vs Dever

obrigação vs Compromisso

obrigação vs Tarefa

Modismos y expresiones

"Fazer por obrigação (Doing it just because you have to, without heart)."
"O dever chama (Duty calls - often used interchangeably with obligation)."
"Estar em obrigação (To be indebted to someone socially)."
"Não é mais que a obrigação (It's the least one could do)."
"Obrigação é dívida (An obligation is a debt - meaning you must pay it back)."
"Cumprir tabela (To do something just to fulfill an obligation, without effort)."
"Bater o ponto (To fulfill the obligation of showing up at work)."
"Dar conta do recado (To fulfill one's obligations/tasks successfully)."
"Estar quite (To have fulfilled all obligations)."
"Fazer o social (To fulfill a social obligation out of politeness)."

Fácil de confundir

obrigação vs

obrigação vs

obrigação vs

obrigação vs

obrigação vs

Patrones de oraciones

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Cómo usarlo

nuance

Obrigação is stronger and more specific than dever.

plural

Obrigações is the standard way to talk about general duties.

social

Saying 'faço por obrigação' can sound rude.

Errores comunes
  • 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'.

Consejos

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.

Memorízalo

Origen de la palabra

Latin

Contexto cultural

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'.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"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?"

Temas para diario

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.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

Yes, 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.

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