debido
/deh-BEE-doh/
due to
Visualizing 'debido a' (due to), showing a clear cause and effect relationship.
📝 In Action
La tienda está cerrada debido a la festividad.
A2The store is closed due to the holiday.
No pudimos salir debido al mal tiempo.
B1We couldn't go out because of the bad weather.
Llegó tarde debido a que el tren se retrasó.
B1He arrived late because the train was delayed.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Appears as 'debido a'
When used to mean 'due to', this word is almost always part of the two-word phrase 'debido a'. Think of them as a single unit that introduces a reason.
What Comes After 'debido a'
You can follow 'debido a' with a thing (a noun) like 'la lluvia' (the rain), or you can add 'que' to follow it with a full idea: 'debido a que llovía' (due to the fact that it was raining).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'a'
Mistake: "La calle está mojada debido la lluvia."
Correction: La calle está mojada debido a la lluvia. You almost always need the 'a' after 'debido' when giving a reason.
⭐ Usage Tips
'debido a' vs. 'por'
Both can mean 'because of'. 'Debido a' often sounds a little more specific or formal, like you're stating an official reason. 'Por' is more common in casual conversation.
Illustrating 'debido' meaning 'due' or appropriate, as in showing due respect.
📝 In Action
Le mostraron el debido respeto al director.
B2They showed the proper respect to the director.
El proyecto no recibió la debida atención.
B2The project did not receive due attention.
Tomaremos las medidas debidas para solucionar el problema.
C1We will take the proper measures to solve the problem.
💡 Grammar Points
Changes to Match the Noun
Like most adjectives, 'debido' changes its ending to match the gender and number of the thing it describes: el respeto debido (masculine singular), la atención debida (feminine singular), los cuidados debidos (masculine plural), las medidas debidas (feminine plural).
⭐ Usage Tips
Sounds a Bit Formal
Using 'debido' as an adjective can make you sound more formal or professional. In everyday chat, you might be more likely to say 'el respeto necesario' (the necessary respect) instead of 'el debido respeto'.
Representing 'debido' as part of the verb phrase meaning 'should have', showing regret over a past, unfulfilled action.
debido(Past Participle)
should have
?part of a verb phrase like 'he debido' (I should have)
owed
?less common, as in money that was owed
📝 In Action
He debido llamarte antes.
B1I should have called you earlier.
Nunca has debido tanto dinero.
B2You have never owed so much money.
💡 Grammar Points
Partner for the Verb 'Haber'
This form of 'debido' teams up with the verb 'haber' (to have) to create verb tenses that look back on past obligations. For example, 'he debido' (I should have), 'habías debido' (you had owed).
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Regret
This is a great way to express regret. Saying 'He debido estudiar más' (I should have studied more) clearly communicates that you didn't study enough and now you wish you had.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: debido
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'debido a' to explain a reason?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'debido a' and 'por qué'?
'Debido a' explains the cause of something, like 'due to' or 'because of'. It's followed by the reason (a noun). 'Por qué' (with a space and accent) is a question word that means 'why?'. You use it to ask for a reason, not to state it.
Can I just use 'por' instead of 'debido a'?
Often, yes! Both can mean 'because of'. 'Debido a' tends to be a bit more formal and is very clear about cause and effect. 'Por' is more common in everyday speech and has many other meanings, so 'debido a' can sometimes be clearer.