Inklingo

deberá

deh-beh-RAHde.βeˈɾa

deberá means must in Spanish (future obligation/necessity).

must, will have toAlso: should, will probably

Verb (Conjugation)B1regular (in this tense) er
A colorful storybook illustration of a determined small character standing at the base of a large, steep hill with a clearly marked, unavoidable path leading straight to the top, symbolizing necessity or obligation.
infinitivedeber
gerunddebiendo
past Participledebido

📝 In Action

El presidente deberá tomar una decisión difícil la próxima semana.

B1

The president must make a difficult decision next week.

Si no hay tráfico, el autobús deberá llegar en diez minutos.

B2

If there is no traffic, the bus will probably arrive in ten minutes.

Usted deberá firmar este documento antes de salir.

B1

You (formal) will have to sign this document before leaving.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • tener que (to have to)
  • ser necesario (to be necessary)

Antonyms

  • poder evitar (to be able to avoid)

Common Collocations

  • deberá + infinitivomust + verb (the required structure)
  • deberá cumplirmust comply

Indicative

Present

yodebo
debes
él/ella/usteddebe
nosotrosdebemos
vosotrosdebéis
ellos/ellas/ustedesdeben

Imperfect

yodebía
debías
él/ella/usteddebía
nosotrosdebíamos
vosotrosdebíais
ellos/ellas/ustedesdebían

Preterite

yodebí
debiste
él/ella/usteddebió
nosotrosdebimos
vosotrosdebisteis
ellos/ellas/ustedesdebieron

Subjunctive

Present Subjunctive

yodeba
debas
él/ella/usteddeba
nosotrosdeba
vosotrosdebáis
ellos/ellas/ustedesdeban

Imperfect Subjunctive

yodebiera
debieras
él/ella/usteddebiera
nosotrosdebiéramos
vosotrosdebierais
ellos/ellas/ustedesdebieran

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "deberá" in Spanish:

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: deberá

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'deberá' to express a strong assumption about the present or near future?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
estaráhablará
📚 Etymology

Comes from the Latin verb *dēbēre*, which meant 'to owe' or 'to be bound to.' This original sense of financial or moral obligation is still present in Spanish.

First recorded: Old Spanish (around 10th-12th century)

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: deveráFrench: devra

💡 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

What is the difference between 'deberá' and 'debería'?

'Deberá' (future tense) expresses a necessity or a very high probability for a future event ('He must go'). 'Debería' (conditional tense) expresses a recommendation or duty that is not strictly mandatory ('He should go').

Who does 'deberá' refer to?

'Deberá' is the third-person singular form, meaning it refers to 'él' (he), 'ella' (she), 'usted' (you, formal), or any singular noun (like 'el coche' or 'la empresa').