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"Obligatoria" is a form of "obligatorio", an adjective which is often translated as "obligatory". "Troncal" is an adjective which is often translated as "main". Learn more about the difference between "troncal" and "obligatoria" below.
troncal(
trohng
-
kahl
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (principal)
2. (education)
a. core
Los alumnos tienen que aprobar todas las asignaturas troncales de la carrera.Students have to pass all the core subjects on their degree course.
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
a. main road
Hubo un accidente en la troncal y por eso tuvimos que ir por una carretera secundaria.There was an accident on the main road, so we had to take a back road.
b. trunk road (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Es probable que la huelga atrase las obras en la troncal.The strike is likely to delay roadworks on the trunk road.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. main line
Un muro se había derrumbado bloqueando el troncal a Vilanueva.A wall had collapsed blocking the main line into Vilanueva.
b. trunk line
Puede que haya que cancelar los planes de ampliar el troncal hacia el norte debido al coste.Plans to extend the trunk line further north may have to be aborted because of the cost.
obligatorio(
oh
-
blee
-
gah
-
toh
-
ryoh
)An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (general)
b. compulsory
Es obligatorio para la empresa proveer seguro médico a sus empleados.It's compulsory for the company to provide health insurance to its employees.
c. mandatory
Presentar el examen de admisión es obligatorio.Taking the admissions test is mandatory.
d. required
El director del curso ha publicado una lista de las lecturas obligatorias en el sitio web de la universidad.The course director has published a list of required reading on the university website.
