Inklingo

How to Say "due" in Spanish

English → Spanish

debido

/deh-BEE-doh//deˈβi.ðo/

adjectiveB2formal
Use 'debido' when 'due' means proper, appropriate, or deserved, often implying a sense of obligation or rightness.
A young child carefully bowing slightly while offering a wrapped gift box with both hands to an older, smiling adult, symbolizing due respect.

Examples

Le mostraron el debido respeto al director.

They showed the proper respect to the director.

El proyecto no recibió la debida atención.

The project did not receive due attention.

Tomaremos las medidas debidas para solucionar el problema.

We will take the proper measures to solve the problem.

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).

vencido

ven-SEE-doh/benˈsiðo/

adjectiveB2
Use 'vencido' when 'due' refers to a deadline that has passed or is about to pass, meaning overdue or expired.
A half-eaten green apple covered in visible brown spots and mold, sitting on a wooden counter, indicating it is expired.

Examples

Tenemos que pagar la renta antes de que esté vencida.

We have to pay the rent before it is overdue.

El plazo para entregar los documentos está vencido.

The deadline for submitting the documents has expired.

Me di cuenta de que mi pasaporte estaba vencido.

I realized that my passport was expired.

Time vs. Food

In Spanish, 'vencido' usually refers to deadlines, contracts, or official documents. For food or medication that has gone bad, it is often more natural to use 'caducado'.

Using 'Ser' vs. 'Estar'

Mistake: “Mi pasaporte es vencido.”

Correction: Mi pasaporte está vencido. Use 'estar' because expiration is a temporary state or condition of the object, not a permanent characteristic.

Debido vs. Vencido

The most common mistake is using 'debido' when referring to deadlines. Remember, 'debido' means proper or fitting, while 'vencido' specifically relates to things that are overdue or expired, like bills or tasks.

Related Translations

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