deberías
“deberías” means “you should” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
you should
Also: you ought to
📝 In Action
Deberías estudiar más para el examen.
A2You should study more for the exam.
Creo que deberías llamar a tus padres.
A2I think you should call your parents.
Deberías probar la paella, está increíble.
B1You should try the paella, it's incredible.
you must be
Also: you're probably, you should be... by now
📝 In Action
Has trabajado todo el día, deberías estar agotado.
B1You've worked all day, you must be exhausted.
Si saliste a las cinco, ya deberías estar en casa.
B1If you left at five, you should be home by now.
Conoces la respuesta, ¿no? Deberías saberla.
B2You know the answer, right? You should know it.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "deberías" in Spanish:
you're probably→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: deberías
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'deberías' to make a logical guess, not to give advice?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb 'dēbēre', which meant 'to owe'. Over time, the sense of owing a debt expanded to include owing a duty or an obligation, which then softened into the modern meaning of giving advice.
First recorded: Around the 12th 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
What's the difference between 'deberías' and 'tendrías que'?
'Deberías' is a soft suggestion, like 'you should'. 'Tendrías que' is a bit stronger, more like 'you would have to'. It implies a necessary step to achieve something, while 'deberías' is just friendly advice you can take or leave.
How do I say 'you should have...' for something in the past?
Great question! For past advice, you combine the verb 'haber' with 'deber'. You say 'deberías haber estudiado' which means 'you should have studied'. 'Deberías' stays the same, and the next verb changes.