deber cívico
/debeɾ θibiko/from spelling rules
The English phrase civic duty is translated into Spanish as deber cívico.
You will commonly use the verb cumplir (to fulfill) or the verb ejercer (to exercise) with expressions for civic duty.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun deber (duty/obligation) and the adjective cívico (civic).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and Argentina, deber may sometimes be replaced with obligación to convey duty more strongly.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the plural 'civic duties', both the noun and the adjective must be pluralized to deberes cívicos.
How do you pronounce it?
/debeɾ θibiko/
Did you know?
- While deber cívico is the standard term, the word deberes is also the common word for 'homework' in Spanish.
- The Spanish word deber is a linguistic relative of the English words 'due' and 'debt'.
- The word deber can also function as a verb meaning 'to owe'. This means that a 'civic duty' can be viewed etymologically as something a citizen 'owes' to their society.
Examples in context
- Es vuestro deber cívico.It's your civic duty.This sentence is useful for showing how to address someone's responsibility using deber cívico.Tatoeba #10152203 by saverius, translation #10061980 by ddnktr
- Votar es un deber cívico.Voting is a civic duty.This sentence is useful for illustrating how voting is an example of deber cívico.Tatoeba #8314712 by arh, translation #9726435 by 6dDcHYgMAg
- Cumplamos con nuestro deber cívicoLet's fulfill our civic duty
- Ejercer la responsabilidad ciudadana es fundamentalExercising civic responsibility is essential
- Cumplir con su deber cívico es importante.Fulfilling your civic duty is important.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing local elections at a cafe.
- Elena¿Vas a ir a votar mañana?Are you going to vote tomorrow?
- MateoSí, lo veo como un deber cívico.Yes, I see it as a civic duty.
- ElenaTienes mucha razón, Mateo.You are very right, Mateo.
- MateoEs algo que todos debemos hacer.It is something we all must do.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cívico, deber, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
