deber Conditional Conjugation
deber — must
The conditional of deber (debería, deberías...) is the go-to way to say 'should' in Spanish.
deber Conditional Forms
When to Use the Conditional
This is arguably the most common tense for 'deber'. Use it to give advice, make polite suggestions, or express what 'should' happen.
Notes on deber in the Conditional
Deber is regular in the conditional. Simply add the -ía endings to the infinitive.
Example Sentences
Deberías comer más verduras.
You should eat more vegetables.
tú
Yo debería estudiar, pero estoy cansado.
I should study, but I'm tired.
yo
¿Qué deberíamos hacer ahora?
What should we do now?
nosotros
Common Mistakes
Mistake: Using 'debo' when you want to give soft advice.
Correct: Use 'debería'.
Why: 'Debo' sounds like a strict command ('I must'), while 'debería' is the softer 'I should'.
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Related Tenses
Present
yo: debo
The present of deber is regular (debo, debes, debe...) and expresses current obligations or debts.
Preterite
yo: debí
The preterite of deber is regular (debí, debiste...) and focuses on a specific moment of obligation or a completed debt.
Imperfect
yo: debía
The imperfect of deber is regular (debía, debías...) and describes ongoing obligations or debts in the past.
Future
yo: deberé
The future of deber is regular (deberé, deberás...) and expresses future obligations or probability.
Present Subjunctive
yo: deba
The present subjunctive of deber (deba, debas...) is used after expressions of doubt, desire, or necessity.
Imperfect Subjunctive
yo: debiera
The imperfect subjunctive of deber (debiera, debieras...) is used in 'if' clauses or for very polite advice.
Affirmative Imperative
yo: debe
The imperative of deber (debe, debed...) is rarely used as it sounds redundant to 'command' an obligation.
Negative Imperative
yo: no debas
The negative imperative (no debas, no debáis...) is used to tell someone not to owe money or things.