debas
“debas” means “that you must” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
that you must, that you should
Also: that you owe
📝 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.
that you owe
Also: that you are indebted
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: debas
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'debas'?
📚 More Resources
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The verb *deber* comes directly from the Latin verb *debēre*, which meant 'to owe' or 'to be bound to'. Its meaning of 'obligation' has remained central for thousands of years.
First recorded: Around the 10th century (as *debir* or *dever*)
Cognates (Related words)
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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.