debamos
/deh-BAH-mohs/
we must
This image shows two people cooperating to move a heavy item, illustrating the shared necessity or obligation implied by "we must."
debamos(verb)
we must
?expressing necessity or obligation (subjunctive context)
,we should
?expressing advice or recommendation (subjunctive context)
that we have to
?when following a phrase like 'It is necessary that...'
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
The Special 'Subjunctive' Form
This 'debamos' form is used when the main part of the sentence expresses doubt, desire, command, or necessity (e.g., 'Es importante que...' or 'Dudo que...').
Debamos vs. Debemos
Use 'debemos' (indicative) when you are certain of the obligation ('We must go now'). Use 'debamos' (subjunctive) when the obligation is uncertain or desired ('I hope we must go').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong form after doubt
Mistake: "No creo que debemos ir."
Correction: No creo que debamos ir. (When you express doubt, Spanish requires the special 'subjunctive' form.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Always Check the Trigger
If your sentence starts with a phrase showing emotion, doubt, or a wish (like 'Quiero que', 'Es dudoso que'), you almost always need the 'debamos' form, not 'debemos'.
The figures handing over the sack of coins represent the concept of shared debt or obligation to pay, as in "we owe."
debamos(verb)
we owe
?expressing debt or gratitude (subjunctive context)
that we might owe
?when the debt is questionable
📝 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.
💡 Grammar Points
Debt and Uncertainty
When talking about financial or moral debts, 'debamos' is used after verbs of doubt or uncertainty, like 'no estoy seguro de que' (I am not sure that).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: debamos
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'debamos' instead of 'debemos'?
📚 More Resources
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.