unobbligo

Un obbligo is a noun in Italian meaning “an obligation” or “a duty.” It refers to a binding requirement that a person is expected to fulfill or observe. The standard spelling is two words, “un obbligo”; the single form unobbligo is not standard Italian.

Etymology and sense: The word derives from Latin obligatio, from obligare, “to bind.” In modern Italian it carries legal, contractual, and moral connotations, describing duties that are binding by law, by agreement, or by social expectation.

Usage and examples: In legal or administrative contexts it denotes duties imposed by law or contract, such as l’obbligo di pagare o di presentare una dichiarazione. In everyday language it can also express a moral or social duty, as in è un obbligo comportarsi correttamente. The plural is obblighi, and the related adjective is obbligatorio. The term obbligazione is used in civil law to denote a binding obligation within a contract.

Nuance and related terms: Obbligo often implies external binding force, whereas dovere can emphasize normative duty or personal obligation. Obbligatorio is the corresponding adjective meaning mandatory or compulsory, and optional is facultativo. In various fields, specific phrases combine obbligo with a qualifier, such as obbligo legale (legal obligation) or obbligo contrattuale (contractual obligation).

See also: Obligazione (civil law), dovere, obbligatorietà.