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debido

deh-BEE-doh/deˈβi.ðo/

due to

Also: because of, owing to
A large, colorful watering can pouring water directly onto a small, bright green plant, illustrating cause and effect.

📝 In Action

La tienda está cerrada debido a la festividad.

A2

The store is closed due to the holiday.

No pudimos salir debido al mal tiempo.

B1

We couldn't go out because of the bad weather.

Llegó tarde debido a que el tren se retrasó.

B1

He arrived late because the train was delayed.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • a causa de (because of)
  • por (for / because of)
  • gracias a (thanks to (for positive reasons))

Common Collocations

  • debido a que – due to the fact that
  • debido a un error – due to an error
  • debido a la falta de – due to the lack of

due

Also: proper, rightful
AdjectivemB2formal
A young child carefully bowing slightly while offering a wrapped gift box with both hands to an older, smiling adult, symbolizing due respect.

📝 In Action

Le mostraron el debido respeto al director.

B2

They showed the proper respect to the director.

El proyecto no recibió la debida atención.

B2

The project did not receive due attention.

Tomaremos las medidas debidas para solucionar el problema.

C1

We will take the proper measures to solve the problem.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • indebido (improper, undue)

Common Collocations

  • el debido proceso – due process
  • con la debida antelación – with due notice
  • prestar la debida atención – to pay due attention

should have

Also: owed
A cartoon character standing on a path, looking back wistfully at a sign pointing toward a clearly visible, sunny destination they decided not to take, symbolizing regret.
infinitivedeber
gerunddebiendo
past Participledebido

📝 In Action

He debido llamarte antes.

B1

I should have called you earlier.

Nunca has debido tanto dinero.

B2

You have never owed so much money.

Translate to Spanish

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: debido

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'debido a' to explain a reason?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
deber(to owe; must, should) — Verb
el deber(duty, obligation) — Noun
la deuda(debt) — Noun
el deudor(debtor) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from 'debido', the past participle of the Latin verb 'dēbēre', which means 'to owe'. This core idea of 'owing' or 'obligation' is still visible in all of its modern Spanish uses.

First recorded: Around the 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: debtFrench: dûItalian: dovuto

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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.