deber
“deber” means “must” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
must, should, to have to
Also: ought to
📝 In Action
Debes estudiar para el examen mañana.
A1You must study for the exam tomorrow.
Todos debemos respetar las reglas.
A2We all should respect the rules.
Deberías llamarla para disculparte.
B1You ought to call her to apologize.
must be, probably
Also: likely
📝 In Action
El tren debe de llegar pronto; ya son las tres.
B1The train must be arriving soon; it is already three o'clock.
Ella debe de estar enferma, no ha venido a trabajar.
B2She must be sick; she hasn't come to work.
Debe de haber un error en esta cuenta.
B2There must be an error in this bill.
to owe, to be indebted to
Also: to be due to
📝 In Action
Te debo cien euros por la cena.
A2I owe you one hundred euros for dinner.
Le debo mi éxito a mis padres.
B1I owe my success to my parents.
¿Cuánto te debo?
A1How much do I owe you?
duty, obligation
Also: homework
📝 In Action
Cumplir con su deber es un orgullo.
B2Fulfilling one's duty is a source of pride.
Tengo muchos deberes para este fin de semana.
B1I have a lot of homework this weekend.
Lo hizo por puro sentido del deber.
C1He did it out of a pure sense of duty.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: deber
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses 'deber' to express a strong guess or probability?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word *debere*, meaning 'to owe' or 'to hold oneself bound.' This origin explains why the verb covers both moral obligation and financial debt.
First recorded: Old Spanish (10th-11th century)
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'deber' the same as 'tener que'?
'Deber' and 'tener que' both mean 'to have to.' However, 'tener que' implies a strong necessity or external obligation (e.g., 'The law requires it'). 'Deber' is often used for moral obligations, recommendations, or strong advice ('You should be more polite').
How do I say 'You don't have to'?
If you mean there is no obligation, use 'no tienes que' (if it's a necessity) or 'no hace falta que' (if it's unnecessary). If you mean 'You shouldn't,' implying it's a bad idea, use 'no debes' ('No debes correr tan rápido').