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"Mandatory" is an adjective which is often translated as "obligatorio", and "shall" is an auxiliary verb which is often translated as "deber". Learn more about the difference between "mandatory" and "shall" below.
mandatory(
mahn
-
duh
-
taw
-
ri
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (obligatory)
a. obligatorio
Helmets were not mandatory in the National Football League until 1943.Los cascos no eran obligatorios en la Liga Nacional de Fútbol hasta 1943.
b. preceptivo
In this country, possession of an unlicensed firearm carries a mandatory minimum sentence.En este país, poseer un arma de fuego sin licencia conlleva una pena preceptiva mínima.
shall(
shahl
)An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
I shan't tell you again.No pienso volver a decírtelo.
We shall see what happens.Veremos lo qué pasa.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Let's leave it for tomorrow, shall we?¿Lo dejamos para mañana?
Shall we invite them?¿Los invitamos?
3. (emphatic)
a. deber
The client shall make timely payments, or be charged penalties.El cliente deberá hacer pagos oportunos, o sufrirá recargos.
