debieron
/deh-BYEH-rohn/
they had to
The image shows two figures facing a huge block they 'had to' move, illustrating past obligation.
debieron(verb)
they had to
?past necessity or obligation
you all had to
?formal plural address (ustedes)
,they were supposed to
?implied duty
📝 In Action
Ellos debieron firmar el contrato antes del mediodía.
A2They had to sign the contract before noon.
Ustedes debieron avisar si el vuelo se retrasaba.
B1You all (formal) were supposed to notify us if the flight was delayed.
Las niñas debieron estudiar más para el examen.
A2The girls had to study more for the exam.
💡 Grammar Points
Function of 'Debieron'
This form of 'deber' is used to talk about a specific obligation or requirement that existed and was met (or should have been met) at a definite moment in the past.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Preterite vs. Imperfect
Mistake: "Using 'debían' when talking about a single, completed past action."
Correction: Use 'debieron' for a specific past action ('They had to leave immediately'). Use 'debían' to talk about an ongoing or repeated past duty ('They always had to work hard').
⭐ Usage Tips
Always Follow with an Action
When 'debieron' expresses obligation, it is always followed immediately by a verb in its base form (the infinitive): 'debieron + comer' (they had to eat).
The fox and bear observing the scene illustrate the idea of making a strong assumption about what 'must have' happened previously.
debieron(verb)
they must have
?past assumption or probability
they probably
?past guess
📝 In Action
No contestan el teléfono. Debieron salir de viaje.
B2They aren't answering the phone. They must have left on a trip.
Los estudiantes no vinieron. Debieron enfermarse.
B2The students didn't come. They must have gotten sick.
💡 Grammar Points
Expressing Past Probability
When used alone (not with 'deber de'), 'debieron' expresses that the speaker is making a strong logical guess about a past event: 'They must have done X.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Guessing in the Past
This is a great way to sound more fluent when making assumptions. If you see evidence (like an empty parking spot), you can say 'Debieron irse' (They must have left).
This image depicts the repayment of a debt, showing what 'they owed' in the past.
📝 In Action
Ellos debieron diez mil dólares al banco.
B1They owed ten thousand dollars to the bank.
Los países debieron tributos al imperio romano.
B2The countries owed tributes to the Roman Empire.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Object Needed
When 'debieron' means 'owed,' it must have a direct object (what was owed): 'Debieron el libro' (They owed the book).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
preterite
present
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: debieron
Question 1 of 1
Which English sentence is the best translation for 'Ellos debieron estar cansados después del maratón'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'debieron' and 'debían'?
'Debieron' (the simple past) refers to a specific obligation or necessity that occurred and was completed at a defined time: 'They had to finish the report yesterday.' 'Debían' (the imperfect past) refers to an ongoing, habitual, or implied duty in the past, often translated as 'They used to have to' or 'They should have' (when expressing regret).