Spanish word

obedecer

Pronunciation

IPA/oβeðeˈθeɾ/

Meaning

  • verbobey

Example

¡Obedece las reglas!

Obey the rules!

Illustration for obedecer (obey)

More examples

Los ciudadanos deben obedecer la ley para vivir en sociedad.

Citizens must obey the law to live in society.

Core concept

A citizen complying with a law or rule.

Common phrases

  • obedecer las reglas

    obey the rules

  • obedecer las órdenes

    obey orders

  • obedecer la ley

    obey the law

Similar words

seguir: Act on what someone says or follow another person's lead.
acatar: Accept and carry out official orders or formal decisions.
cumplir: Carry out assigned duties, obligations, or promises.
atender: Respond to a request or attend to someone's needs.

Definition in Spanish

Hacer lo que mandan las reglas, las leyes o una persona con autoridad.

Word origin

From Latin oboedire (ob- 'toward' + audire 'to hear'), giving the sense 'listen and comply' and later forming the Spanish verb obedecer.

Usage tips

  • Obedecer takes a before a person (obedecer a los padres), and it is normally used for rules or authority rather than casual advice.

Other meanings

  • be due toverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word