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How to Say "i must" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “i must” is “tengo que” — use 'tengo que' for general and stronger obligations, including tasks, duties, and requirements that are often external or practical.

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tengo que

VerbA2General
Use 'tengo que' for general and stronger obligations, including tasks, duties, and requirements that are often external or practical.

Examples

Tengo que estudiar para el examen.

I have to study for the exam.

debo

DEH-bohˈdebo

VerbA1Formal/Moral
Use 'debo' for obligations that stem from a moral duty, personal conviction, or a strong sense of what is right.
A young student diligently completing schoolwork at a wooden desk, illustrating personal obligation.

Examples

Debo terminar mi tarea antes de la cena.

I must finish my homework before dinner.

Debo llamar a mis padres este fin de semana.

I must call my parents this weekend.

Si quiero pasar el examen, debo estudiar mucho.

If I want to pass the exam, I must study a lot.

'Debo' + The Basic Verb Form

To say you have to do something, you use 'debo' followed by the basic, unchanged form of the next verb (like 'comer', 'hablar', 'vivir'). For example: 'Debo correr' (I have to run).

Confusing 'Debo' and 'Tengo que'

Mistake: “Thinking 'debo' and 'tengo que' are exactly the same.”

Correction: 'Tengo que' is more common for everyday necessities ('Tengo que comprar pan'). 'Debo' often implies a stronger sense of moral duty ('Debo decir la verdad'), but in many cases, they can be used interchangeably.

Choosing Between 'Debo' and 'Tengo Que'

Learners often overuse 'debo' for everyday obligations. Remember that 'tengo que' is the more common and versatile choice for most situations requiring something to be done, while 'debo' carries a stronger moral or ethical weight.

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