'Debería' vs. 'Debo'

`Debería` is a softer, more polite way to give advice than `debes` (you must/you have to). Think of it as suggesting something instead of ordering it.

Giving Gentle Advice

After `debería` (or any form of `deber`), the next verb is always in its basic, unchanged form, called the infinitive. For example, `Deberías *llamar*`, not `Deberías llamas`.

Always Followed by a Base Verb

To say what someone 'should have' done, combine `debería` with `haber` and the past form of a verb. For example, `Debería haber estudiado más` means 'I should have studied more.'

Expressing Regret About the Past

Extremely common. This is the main way to give advice, make suggestions, or say what someone 'should' or 'ought to' do.

Guessing vs. Stating a Fact

You can use `debería` to talk about what you expect to happen or what is probably true. It shows you're not 100% certain, but it's a strong, logical guess.

Making a Good Guess

When using `debería` to make a guess, you'll often hear people add the word `de` before the next verb, like `Debería de estar en casa`. It means the same thing and is very common in speech.

Adding 'de'

Common in conversation to express what's likely or expected to happen, or to make a logical guess.

Learn the full meaning of 'debería' in Spanish. Understand how to use it for giving advice ('should') and expressing probability ('is probably'). Includes full verb conjugations for 'deber', examples, and common mistakes.

deber

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations