debería
“debería” means “should” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
shouldAlso: ought to
📝 In Action
Deberías llamar a tu abuela más a menudo.
B1You should call your grandmother more often.
Creo que debería estudiar más para el examen.
B1I think I should study more for the exam.
No deberíamos comer tanto chocolate.
B1We shouldn't eat so much chocolate.
¿Debería aceptar el trabajo?
B2Should I accept the job?
Word Connections
should be / shouldAlso: is probably, is supposed to
📝 In Action
El paquete debería llegar mañana.
B2The package should arrive tomorrow.
Juan no está aquí, debería de estar en la oficina.
B2Juan isn't here, he must be (is probably) at the office.
Ya son las ocho, el restaurante debería estar abierto.
B2It's already eight o'clock, the restaurant should be open.
Word Connections
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: debería
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'debería' to give friendly advice?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology
Comes from the Latin verb `dēbēre`, which means 'to owe'. The idea of 'owing' something evolved into having a duty or obligation to do something, which is where we get the modern meaning of 'should'.
First recorded: Around the 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'debería' and 'deberías'?
They are both forms of the same verb, 'deber'. 'Debería' is used for 'I' (yo), 'he/she' (él/ella), and 'you (formal)' (usted). 'Deberías' is specifically for 'you (informal)' (tú). So you would say 'Yo debería...' but 'Tú deberías...'
Is 'debería' the same as 'tendría que' (would have to)?
They are very similar, but 'tendría que' often implies a stronger need or a condition. 'Debería' is more of a general suggestion ('You should sleep'). 'Tendría que' is more like 'I would have to (if something else happens)'. For example, 'Tendría que trabajar más si quisiera comprar un coche' (I would have to work more if I wanted to buy a car).
How do I say 'should have' in Spanish?
You combine the form of 'debería' with the word 'haber' and then the past participle of the main verb. For example: 'Debería haber estudiado' means 'I should have studied'. 'No deberías haber dicho eso' means 'You shouldn't have said that'.