Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| deber | /deˈbeɾ/ | common |
| tener que | /teneɾ ke/ (from spelling rules) | |
| haber de | /abeɾ de/ (from spelling rules) | |
| deber de | /debeɾ de/ (from spelling rules) | uncommon |
The primary way to express a moral or social obligation (should) is with deber. Depending on the context, deber can also literally mean 'to owe', such as owing money or a favor. Other forms include tener que, which expresses a more forceful, external necessity or 'have to' and haber de.
Which one should you use?
While deber is used for a general 'should', using tener que conveys a much stronger sense of necessity, similar to 'must' or 'have to'. Additionally, adding 'de' to the verb, as in deber de, often shifts the meaning from a moral obligation to expressing a logical assumption or probability, such as 'to suppose' or 'to probably be'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, the phrase Deberías de is often used, though it is considered non-standard in formal Spanish.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express 'should' as a suggestion or advice, Spanish speakers typically use the conditional form debería (meaning 'I/he/she/it should') rather than the present tense.
How do you pronounce it?
/deˈbeɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be careful when adding 'de' after deber. Doing so can change your meaning from expressing an obligation to expressing a probability or assumption.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- ¿Por qué debería ir?Why should I go?This sentence is useful for asking the reason for a suggestion using deber.Tatoeba #1617830 by marcelostockle, translation #1617820 by Spamster
- Debería irme a casa.I should go home.This sentence is useful for stating a personal suggestion or intent using deber.Tatoeba #1715955 by marcelostockle, translation #1714209 by gleki
- No deberías ir solo.You should not go alone.This sentence is useful for giving advice or a warning using deber.Tatoeba #1815356 by Shishir, translation #69783 by CK
- Convendría que presentara su informe a tiempo.You should submit your report on time.
- Deberías visitar ese restaurante. La comida es deliciosa.You should visit that restaurant. The food is delicious.
- Sería bueno que empezaras a hacer ejercicio regularmente.It would be good if you started exercising regularly.
- 1777 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing their plans for the evening.
- Alejandro¿Debemos ir a la fiesta de Juan?Should we go to Juan's party?
- ElenaSí, deberías ir para conocer gente.Yes, you should go to meet people.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Elena.You are right, Elena.
- ElenaEntonces, prepárate para salir.Then, get ready to go out.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “should” 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, haber, que, tener, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
