debamos
“debamos” means “we must” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
we must, we should
Also: that we have to
📝 In Action
Es crucial que debamos actuar rápido para solucionar esto.
B1It is crucial that we act quickly to solve this.
No creo que debamos salir tan tarde.
B2I don't think we should leave so late.
Ojalá que no debamos trabajar el fin de semana.
B1Hopefully, we won't have to work this weekend.
we owe
Also: that we might owe
📝 In Action
El banco exige que debamos pagar la cuota antes de fin de mes.
B2The bank demands that we owe/pay the installment before the end of the month.
No estoy seguro de cuánto dinero debamos a Hacienda.
B2I am not sure how much money we owe the Treasury.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: debamos
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'debamos' instead of 'debemos'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin verb *dēbēre*, meaning 'to owe' or 'to hold one's self bound to'. The concepts of obligation and debt have been linked in this word since its origin.
First recorded: Old Spanish (c. 10th century)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do I use 'debamos' instead of the more common 'debemos'?
'Debemos' means 'we must' and states a fact or certainty. 'Debamos' is a special form used when the obligation is uncertain, desired, or dependent on a feeling or command (e.g., after phrases like 'I doubt that' or 'It is necessary that').
Is 'debamos' a regular or irregular verb form?
'Debamos' comes from the verb 'deber,' which is a fully regular verb. Its conjugation follows the standard pattern for -er verbs, even in the special 'subjunctive' forms.