debido
/deˈbido/
The English word "due" is translated into Spanish as debido.
In Spanish, debido can function as an adverb meaning directly or exactly when used with compass directions. It is also commonly used as an adjective meaning appropriate or proper. When used to express causality (as in "due to"), it is almost always followed by the preposition a.
Meaning: used with compass directions: directly or exactly (adv)
Which one should you use?
While debido is the standard term for causality and appropriateness, if you are referring to something being past its deadline or due date, the formal term vencido is used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using debido as an adjective meaning 'appropriate' or 'proper', it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. This means you may use the feminine form debida or the masculine plural form debidos. In the context of causality, always use the construction debido a.
How do you pronounce it?
/deˈbido/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using debido a directly before a verb phrase to mean "due to the fact that". Instead, you must use debido a que to introduce a clause.
Did you know?
- While debido is used for 'due' in a legal or directional sense, a 'due date' for a pregnancy is called fecha probable de parto, which translates to 'probable date of birth'.
- In many casual Spanish conversations, using debido a to explain causality can make you sound like a textbook or a government official. Most native speakers will simply use the word por to express the same idea.
- The word debido shares its roots with the English word 'debt', as both originate from the Latin 'debere', meaning 'to owe'.
Examples in context
- La escasez de agua es debido al clima.The water shortage is due to the weather.This example shows the use of debido to express causality.Tatoeba #7981261 by pchamorro, translation #270746 by Swift
- La caja se rompió debido al peso de la carga.The box fell apart due to the weight of the load.Tatoeba #976506 by hayastan, translation #1300169 by kurisuteian
- Debido al mal tiempo, el juego fue cancelado.Due to the bad weather, the game was called off.Tatoeba #4381109 by Dan18, translation #4375388 by AlanF_US
- La fecha de entrega del informe es el próximo martes debido a la importancia del proyecto.The due date for the report is next Tuesday due to the importance of the project.
- 68 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Daniel are looking at a map to find a hidden trail.
- MaríaEl sendero va debido norte desde aquí.The trail goes due north from here.
- Daniel¿Estás segura de que es por ahí?Are you sure it is that way?
- MaríaSí, el mapa dice que es debido norte.Yes, the map says it is due north.
- DanielEstá bien, sigamos ese camino.All right, let's follow that path.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry debido, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries debido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
