debíamos
“debíamos” means “we should” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
we should, we had to
Also: we were supposed to
📝 In Action
Debíamos estudiar para el examen de historia, pero vimos una película.
A2We were supposed to study for the history exam, but we watched a movie.
Cuando éramos niños, debíamos ayudar en la casa todos los sábados.
B1When we were children, we had to help around the house every Saturday.
Sentíamos que debíamos decir la verdad a nuestros padres.
B2We felt that we should tell the truth to our parents.
we owed
Also: we were indebted
📝 In Action
Hace un año, aún debíamos mil dólares al banco.
A2A year ago, we still owed a thousand dollars to the bank.
Siempre debíamos dinero a nuestros padres después de las vacaciones.
B1We always owed money to our parents after vacation.
Indicative
Imperfect
Present
Preterite
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "debíamos" in Spanish:
we owed→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: debíamos
Question 1 of 2
Which English phrase best captures the meaning of 'Debíamos visitarte cada semana'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *debere*, meaning 'to owe' or 'to be bound to.' This connection between owing money and owing a duty has been present since ancient times.
First recorded: Around the 10th century (Old Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'debíamos' and 'debimos'?
'Debíamos' (imperfect) is used for duties or debts that were ongoing, habitual, or expected over a period of time in the past ('We always had to clean'). 'Debimos' (preterite) is used for a single, completed obligation in the past ('We had to clean yesterday').
Why does 'deber' mean both 'to owe' and 'must/should'?
These two meanings come from the same root idea of being 'bound' or 'obligated.' Whether you are bound by a moral duty or a financial contract, the root verb 'deber' covers both types of obligation.