debeō
In Latin, the English phrase "must" can be expressed through several forms, most commonly debeō. Wiktionary also lists debere and futurus sum.
Meaning: be required to (verb)
Ways to say it
| Latin |
|---|
| debeō |
| debere |
| futurus sum |
| servandus sum |
While debeō expresses an active obligation, other constructions like servandus sum express that something must be done to a subject.
Which one should you use?
The form debeō is used in the active voice to express "I must" or "I ought to." In contrast, the gerundive construction servandus sum is used in the passive voice to mean "I must be [done/kept]."
Related words
Did you know?
- While debeō means 'must', its literal root refers to owing a debt, treating a moral or legal obligation like a financial loan.
- The English word 'be' is a distant relative of the Latin word sum, both tracing back to the same ancient roots.
Examples in context
- Latinam discere necesse est.It is necessary to learn Latin.
- Decet puellam discere.The girl ought to/should learn.
- Debēs mihi auxiliari.You must help me.
- Magistrum audire debes.You must listen to the teacher.
- Filio tuo auxiliari necesse est.It is necessary to help your son.
- Librum legere oportet.One must read the book.
- Decet discipulum studere.The student should study.
- Hoc nunc facere debeō.I must do this now.
- Ad scholam ire debeō.I must go to school.
- Verba tua audire debeō.I must listen to your words.
Example conversation
Quintus and Julia are discussing their daily chores.
- QuintusQuid hodie facere debeō?What must I do today?
- JuliaHortum mēcum curāre debes, Quinte.You must take care of the garden with me, Quintus.
- QuintusSed prīus librōs meōs legere debeō.But first I must read my books.
- JuliaFac id cito, Julia dīcit.Do it quickly, Julia says.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “must” translations and entries debere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries futurus, servandus, sum, CC BY-SA 4.0.
