Inklingo

How to Say "due" in Spanish

English → Spanish

vencido

ven-SEE-dohbenˈsiðo

adjectiveB2general
Use 'vencido' when referring to something that has passed its deadline or is overdue, such as a payment or a task.
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.

correspondiente

koh-rehs-pohn-DYEN-tehkoresponˈdjente

adjectiveB2formal
Use 'correspondiente' to mean 'appropriate' or 'required' by a situation, rule, or custom, similar to 'corresponding' or 'appropriate'.
A child wearing a raincoat and boots standing under a rain cloud.

Examples

El director tomará las medidas correspondientes para solucionar el problema.

The director will take the appropriate measures to solve the problem.

Recibió el premio correspondiente a su gran esfuerzo.

He received the prize due for his great effort.

Para viajar con mascotas, necesitas los permisos correspondientes.

To travel with pets, you need the relevant permits.

Placement is key

This word almost always comes after the noun it is describing, which is standard for Spanish adjectives.

Overusing 'apropiado'

Mistake: “Using 'apropiado' for everything.”

Correction: In professional settings, 'correspondiente' often sounds more natural and native than 'apropiado' when talking about steps, measures, or documents.

debido

deh-BEE-dohdeˈβi.ðo

adjectiveB2formal
Use 'debido' to express what is owed or appropriate, particularly when referring to respect, attention, or a right.
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).

Overdue vs. Appropriate

A common mistake is using 'vencido' when you mean 'appropriate' or 'required'. Remember, 'vencido' specifically refers to deadlines that have passed. For things that are simply required or fitting for a situation, 'correspondiente' or 'debido' are the correct choices.

Related Translations

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