debas
/DEH-bahs/
that you must
When expressing necessity, 'debas' means 'that you must' do something, like cleaning up your toys.
debas(verb)
that you must
?expressing obligation or necessity
,that you should
?expressing advice or recommendation
that you owe
?expressing debt or favor
📝 In Action
No creo que debas preocuparte por eso.
B1I don't believe that you should worry about that.
Es necesario que debas terminar el proyecto hoy.
B2It is necessary that you must finish the project today.
Tal vez debas llamarla antes de ir.
B1Maybe you should call her before going.
💡 Grammar Points
The Subjunctive Mood
‘Debas’ is a special verb form (the present subjunctive) that is required when the sentence expresses doubt, emotion, recommendation, or necessity about the action.
The 'Tú' Form
This form specifically addresses 'tú' (you, informal). If you were addressing 'usted' (you, formal), you would use 'deba'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Subjunctive and Indicative
Mistake: "No creo que debes ir. (Using the normal present tense 'debes')"
Correction: No creo que debas ir. (Using the special subjunctive form 'debas' because 'no creo' expresses doubt.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Use After Doubt
A common pattern for 'debas' is following phrases like 'dudo que' (I doubt that) or 'no estoy seguro/a de que' (I'm not sure that).
When referring to debt, 'debas' means 'that you owe' a financial or material obligation.
debas(verb)
that you owe
?debt or financial obligation
that you are indebted
?figurative debt or favor
📝 In Action
Ojalá no debas dinero a nadie.
B2I hope you don't owe money to anyone.
No es bueno que debas tantos favores.
B2It is not good that you owe so many favors.
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive for Wishes
When expressing a wish or hope about a debt, such as 'Ojalá...' (I hope...), the verb following the expression must be in the subjunctive form 'debas'.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: debas
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'debas'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How is 'debas' different from 'debes'?
'Debes' is the normal present tense form ('you must/should') used for facts and certainty (e.g., 'Tú debes ir'). 'Debas' is the special subjunctive form used when expressing doubt, emotion, or desire about what 'you' must do (e.g., 'Dudo que debas ir').
Can 'debas' be used in isolation?
No. Because 'debas' is a subjunctive form, it almost always needs a first part of the sentence (like 'No creo que...' or 'Es importante que...') to trigger its use.