vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Derechos" is a form of "derechos", a plural noun which is often translated as "duties". "Obligaciones" is a form of "obligación", a noun which is often translated as "obligation". Learn more about the difference between "derechos" and "obligaciones" below.
los derechos(
deh
-
reh
-
chohs
)A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
1. (charge)
a. duties
Tuvieron que pagar los derechos de aduana para importar la mercancía.They had to pay the customs duties to import the goods.
b. fees
¿Cuánto vienen siendo los derechos de admisión a esta escuela?How much are the admission fees at this school?
c. dues
Denunciaron a la empresa por no pagar los derechos portuarios.They sued the company for not paying the harbor dues.
2. (property)
a. rights
Tenemos los derechos exclusivos para su autobiografía.We have the exclusive rights to her autobiography.
derecho, el derecho
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
3. (direction)
b. right-hand
Tu oficina está a la mano derecha al entrar.Your office is on the right-hand side as you go in.
5. (honorable)
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. straight ahead
Sigue derecho por esta calle y llegarás enseguida.Go straight ahead down this street and you'll be there in no time.
a. upright
Camina derecho, con los hombros hacia atrás y la cabeza en alto.Walk upright with your shoulders back and your head held high.
8. (directly)
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
9. (legal)
10. (entitlement)
11. (exterior side)
a. right side (clothing)
No planches el pantalón por el derecho o le darás brillo.Don't iron the pants on the right side or they'll get shiny.
b. outside
El derecho de este suéter está lleno de pelusas.The outside of this sweater is covered in lint.
la obligación(
oh
-
blee
-
gah
-
syohn
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
a. obligation
El sacerdote tenía una obligación moral de ayudar a los más necesitados.The priest had a moral obligation to help those who most in need.
b. duty
Martín asumió la obligación de pagar la hipoteca de la casa.Martin took on the duty of paying the mortgage.
2. (finance)
a. bond
El gobierno del actual presidente todavía no emitió obligaciones.The current president's administration hasn't issued bonds yet.
b. security
Las obligaciones del Estado atraen a los inversores que no quieren asumir grandes riesgos.The government securities are attractive to investors who prefer low risks.
c. debenture
Las obligaciones emitidas llegaron a la suma de medio millón de dólares.The issued debentures totaled half a million dollars.
