deuda
/DEY-dah/
debt
When deuda means "debt," it refers to money or resources owed to another party.
📝 In Action
Tengo una gran deuda con el banco.
A1I have a big debt with the bank.
Necesito pagar mis deudas antes de fin de mes.
A2I need to pay my debts before the end of the month.
La deuda nacional es un problema serio para el país.
B1The national debt is a serious problem for the country.
💡 Grammar Points
Feminine Noun
Remember that 'deuda' is always feminine, so you must use 'la deuda' and 'una deuda'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong verb for 'to owe'
Mistake: "Hacer una deuda (To make a debt)"
Correction: The correct verb is 'tener una deuda' (to have a debt) or 'deber dinero' (to owe money). 'Contraer una deuda' means to get into debt.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'saldar'
If you want to sound formal when talking about paying off a debt completely, use the verb 'saldar' (to settle/clear), as in 'saldar la deuda pendiente'.
Deuda can also mean "obligation," referring to a moral duty or a debt of gratitude owed after receiving help.
📝 In Action
Siento una deuda de gratitud hacia mis maestros.
B2I feel a debt of gratitude toward my teachers.
La vida me ha dado tanto que estoy en deuda con ella.
C1Life has given me so much that I am indebted to it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Thanks
In this context, we often use the phrase 'estar en deuda con alguien' (to be indebted to someone) to express deep thanks for a favor or help.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: deuda
Question 1 of 2
Which verb is typically used to describe the action of getting into debt?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'deuda' masculina o femenina?
'Deuda' is a feminine noun, so you always use 'la deuda' or 'una deuda'.
What is the difference between 'deuda' and 'deber'?
'Deuda' is the noun (the debt itself), while 'deber' is the verb meaning 'to owe' (e.g., 'Debo dinero' - I owe money) or the noun meaning 'duty'.