obey
word
/oʊˈbeɪ/
oh-BAY
/əʊbˈeɪ/
oh-BAY
Definition
To do what someone in authority tells you to do, or to follow a rule, law, or instruction. It is often used for parents, teachers, laws, and commands.
Usage & Nuances
Common patterns are 'obey the law', 'obey orders', and 'obey your parents'. It is more direct and slightly stronger than 'listen to' because it focuses on following commands, not just hearing advice. It can sound formal or strict in everyday conversation.
Spanish: obedecerPortuguese (BR): obedecerPortuguese (PT): obedecerChinese (Simplified): 服从 - 遵守Chinese (Traditional): 服從 - 遵守Hindi: आज्ञा मानना - पालन करनाArabic: يطيع - يمتثلBengali: মান্য করা - অনুসরণ করাRussian: подчиняться - слушаться - соблюдатьJapanese: 従うVietnamese: tuân theo - nghe lờiKorean: 복종하다 - 따르다Turkish: itaat etmek - uymakUrdu: فرمانبرداری کرنا - اطاعت کرناIndonesian: menaati - mematuhi
Example Sentences
You don't have to obey every rule if the rule makes no sense.
natural
Children should obey their parents.
basic
Everyone must obey the law.
basic
The dog will obey simple commands.
basic
He never obeys the speed limit, and one day it's going to cost him.
natural
I told the app to save the file, but it didn't obey the command.
natural