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"Debe" is a form of "debe", a noun which is often translated as "debit". "Obliga" is a form of "obligar", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to force". Learn more about the difference between "debe" and "obliga" below.
el debe(
deh
-
beh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (accounting)
a. debit
Si vas a anotar un ingreso, anótalo en la columna de los debes.If you're recording income, record it in the debit column.
obligar(
oh
-
blee
-
gahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to compel)
a. to force
El policía me obligó a detenerme aunque no manejaba sobre el límite de velocidad.The police officer forced me to stop even though I wasn't speeding.
c. to bind
La ley obliga a las empresas a reducir los niveles de contaminación.The law binds companies to reduce levels of pollution.
d. to oblige
El tratado los obliga a elaborar nuevas normas laborales.The treaty obliges them to develop new work rules.
obligarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to force oneself
Todos los días me obligo a hacer ejercicio.I force myself to do some execise every day.
a. to commit oneself
No, gracias. Me obligué a dejar de tomar alcohol por un año.No, thanks. I've committed myself not to drink alcohol for a year.
