deber
/deˈbeɾ/common
The English phrase 'must' is translated into Spanish as deber. If unsure, use deber. Wiktionary also lists deber de.
Meaning: be required to (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| deber | /deˈbeɾ/ | common |
| deber de | /debeɾ de/ (from spelling rules) | uncommon |
deber is used as a verb meaning to be required to. It can also function as a noun meaning 'duty' or 'obligation'. It is distinct from the related noun mosto, which refers to fruit juice that will ferment or has fermented, usually from grapes (noun).
Which one should you use?
The form deber without the preposition 'de' is used to express a moral or legal obligation. For example, you would use it to say 'You must do your duty'. The form deber de is uncommon.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Using the imperfect subjunctive form debería softens the tone from a command ('must') to a suggestion ('should').
How do you pronounce it?
/deˈbeɾ/
Did you know?
- The root of deber is tied to the concept of 'owing', meaning that when you say you 'must' do something, you are linguistically saying you 'owe' that action.
- In everyday conversation, adding the preposition de after deber changes the meaning from a requirement to a probability or a guess.
- While 'must' is often a strong command in English, Spanish speakers frequently prefer to use 'tener que' for daily necessities, reserving deber for more serious or moral duties.
Examples in context
- Deberías dejar de fumar.You must stop smoking.This sentence is useful for suggesting someone stop a habit using deber.Tatoeba #600195 by Shishir, translation #40615 by Swift
- Debes cumplir con tu deber.You must perform your duty.This sentence is useful for expressing a requirement to perform a duty using deber.Tatoeba #1326185 by marcelostockle, translation #16050 by Swift
- Mañana deberé partir antes.Tomorrow I must leave earlier.This sentence is useful for expressing a future necessity using deber.Tatoeba #2491887 by leoruilova, translation #453347 by saasmath
- Todos los empleados deben asistir a la reunión de la junta directiva hoy a las 3 p.m.All employees must attend the board meeting today at 3 p.m.
- Los estudiantes tienen que completar el proyecto antes del viernes.The students must complete the project before Friday.
- ¡Tenemos que ir al cine mañana!We have to go to the movies tomorrow!
- Hemos de respetar las normas establecidas.We must respect the established rules.
- Necesitamos llegar temprano para conseguir buenos lugares.We must arrive early to get good seats.
- 36 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are talking about their work deadlines.
- JavierDebo terminar este informe hoy.I must finish this report today.
- MaríaYo también debo enviarlo antes del lunes.I must also send it before Monday.
- Javier¿Debemos hablar con el jefe primero?Must we speak with the boss first?
- MaríaSí, deberíamos preguntarle ahora.Yes, we should ask him now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “must” translations and entries deber, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, deber, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
