se supone que debo
/se supone ke debo/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "i am supposed to" is se supone que debo.
se supone que debo is used to express an obligation based on an expectation, rule or plan. Additionally, the phrase Se supone que can be translated as supposedly and is used to convey that something is expected or meant to happen.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase se supone que debo literally translates to "it is supposed that I must".
Which one should you use?
An alternative way to say "I am supposed to" is se supone que tengo que, which uses tener que (to have to) instead of deber (must/should).
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the subject to "you", change debo to debes.
How do you pronounce it?
/se supone ke debo/
Did you know?
- The verb suponer comes from the Latin supponere, which literally meant 'to place under'. This reflects the idea of placing a premise under an argument.
- Spanish has a specific nuance for 'supposed to' when something was intended but failed, often using the imperfect tense se suponía que to signal a broken expectation.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying se supone que can be a polite way to remind someone of a rule without sounding too aggressive or confrontational.
Examples in context
- Se supone que debo llamar a mi madre.I am supposed to call my mother.
- Se supone que debo terminar este informe hoy.I am supposed to finish this report today.
- Se supone que debo llegar temprano a la cita.I am supposed to arrive early to the appointment.
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are discussing their work responsibilities.
- LucíaSe supone que debo entregar las llaves ahora.I am supposed to hand in the keys now.
- JavierNo te preocupes, puedes hacerlo mañana.Don't worry, you can do it tomorrow.
- LucíaPero es mi responsabilidad como jefa.But it is my responsibility as the boss.
- JavierEntiendo, Lucía, pero no hay prisa.I understand, Lucía, but there is no rush.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
