To disobey means to consciously refuse to comply with an authority's command.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To refuse to follow an order or rule.
- Indicates a conscious act of rebellion against authority.
- Used in family, school, and legal contexts.
Overview
El verbo 'desobedecer' es un verbo regular de la segunda conjugación (-er) que denota la falta de acatamiento a una autoridad. Es un término que implica una voluntad activa de no seguir una directriz, ya sea de un padre, un jefe, una ley o una norma social.
Usage Patterns
Se usa frecuentemente con un objeto directo (ej. 'desobedecer una orden') o de forma intransitiva cuando el contexto de la autoridad es claro. Es un verbo transitivo, por lo que requiere un complemento directo si se especifica qué es lo que no se sigue.
Common Contexts
Es muy común en entornos familiares (padres e hijos), educativos (profesores y alumnos) y laborales. También se utiliza en contextos legales o militares para referirse a la insubordinación o al incumplimiento de normativas estrictas.
Similar Words Comparison
A diferencia de 'ignorar' (que implica falta de atención o conocimiento), 'desobedecer' conlleva una carga de rebeldía o desafío consciente contra una autoridad establecida. Mientras que 'incumplir' se refiere a menudo a acuerdos o contratos, 'desobedecer' tiene un componente más personal y jerárquico.
Examples
El soldado se negó a desobedecer las órdenes de su capitán.
formalThe soldier refused to disobey his captain's orders.
No me gusta desobedecer las reglas de la casa.
everydayI don't like to disobey the house rules.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
acto de desobediencia
act of disobedience
niño desobediente
disobedient child
Often Confused With
Ignorar means to ignore or not know something. Desobedecer specifically implies rejecting an authority's command.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Desobedecer is a neutral to formal verb. It is used in all registers but carries significant weight in formal situations. Ensure you distinguish it from simple 'ignoring' as it implies a challenge to authority.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'desobedecer' when they mean 'ignorar' (not paying attention). Remember that 'desobedecer' requires a specific order or rule to be rejected. Also, avoid confusing it with 'desacatar', which is more legalistic.
Tips
Focus on the prefix des-
Remember the prefix 'des-' acts as a negative marker. It turns 'obedecer' (to obey) into its opposite.
Do not confuse with ignoring
Don't use 'desobedecer' if you simply didn't hear an order. It implies you heard it but chose to reject it.
Contextual weight in Spanish culture
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, using this word toward authority figures is considered quite serious and disrespectful.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'oboedire' (to listen to/obey) with the negative prefix 'des-'. It entered Spanish through the evolution of Latin roots into Romance languages.
Cultural Context
In Hispanic society, obedience to family elders is often highly valued. Therefore, the term 'desobedecer' can carry a strong emotional charge in family dynamics.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Des-Obey'. If you remove the 'Obey' (Obedecer) and add 'Des-', you are doing the opposite.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, es un verbo regular de la segunda conjugación. Sigue las reglas estándar de conjugación de los verbos terminados en -er.
Sí, aunque es más común especificar qué se desobedece. Por ejemplo: 'Él siempre desobedece'.
Desobedecer implica una relación jerárquica o de autoridad. Incumplir se refiere más a la falta de cumplimiento de un contrato o plazo.
Sí, el sustantivo es 'desobediencia'. Es muy común en contextos formales y políticos.
Test Yourself
El niño decidió ___ las instrucciones de su madre.
Se necesita el infinitivo después del verbo conjugado 'decidió'.
Score: /1
Summary
To disobey means to consciously refuse to comply with an authority's command.
- To refuse to follow an order or rule.
- Indicates a conscious act of rebellion against authority.
- Used in family, school, and legal contexts.
Focus on the prefix des-
Remember the prefix 'des-' acts as a negative marker. It turns 'obedecer' (to obey) into its opposite.
Do not confuse with ignoring
Don't use 'desobedecer' if you simply didn't hear an order. It implies you heard it but chose to reject it.
Contextual weight in Spanish culture
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, using this word toward authority figures is considered quite serious and disrespectful.
Examples
2 of 2El soldado se negó a desobedecer las órdenes de su capitán.
The soldier refused to disobey his captain's orders.
No me gusta desobedecer las reglas de la casa.
I don't like to disobey the house rules.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Vocabulary
More society words
adulta
A2Adult (female); a woman who is fully grown or developed.
aldea
A2Village. A small community or group of houses in a rural area.
amenaza
A2A threat, a statement of intent to inflict harm.
amenazar
B1to threaten, to menace
amiga
A1Friend (feminine)
Amigo
A1Friend (male)
anciano
A2An old person.
aparte
A2Separately or to one side.
apoyar
A2To give assistance or encouragement; to support.
apoyo
A2Support, assistance, or backing.
