Mixing up 'debes' and 'tienes que'

To say someone 'must' or 'should' do something, use 'deber' followed by the action verb in its original '-ar', '-er', or '-ir' form. For example, 'Debes comer' (You must eat).

Stating Obligations

'Debes' is used when talking to one person you know well (the 'tú' form). When speaking to someone formally, an older person, or a boss, use 'debe'.

Formal vs. Informal 'You'

Extremely common. One of the first verbs you'll learn to express obligation.

Adding 'de'

When you use 'deber' to guess something, it works just like when you state an obligation: 'deber' + the original verb form. For example, 'Debes tener frío' (You must be cold).

Making a Guess

To know if 'debes' means 'you must do' or 'you must be', listen to the situation. If it's advice or a rule, it's an obligation. If it's a logical conclusion, it's a guess.

Listen to the Context

Common in conversation for making assumptions or guessing.

This meaning often uses little words like 'me' (to me), 'le' (to him/her), or 'nos' (to us) to show who is owed. For example, 'Le debes respeto' (You owe him/her respect).

Who You Owe

Remember that you can 'owe' more than just money. This word is perfect for talking about favors, explanations, apologies, and respect.

More Than Money

Very common when talking about money or favors.

Learn the uses of 'debes' in Spanish. Understand the difference between obligation ('you must'), probability ('you must be'), and debt ('you owe'). Includes full 'deber' conjugation tables and examples.

debes

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations