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How to Say "must" in Spanish

English → Spanish

tiene

/tyeh-neh//ˈtjene/

VerbA2General
Use 'tiene' (often as 'tener que') to express a strong, direct, and often immediate obligation or necessity, similar to 'has to' or 'have to'.
A person looking at a long to-do list with a determined expression, representing the idea of having an obligation or needing to do something.

Examples

Ella tiene que estudiar para el examen.

She has to study for the exam.

El doctor tiene que trabajar mañana.

The doctor has to work tomorrow.

Usted tiene que firmar aquí.

You (formal) have to sign here.

The 'Have To' Formula

The structure is always 'tener' + 'que' + the basic, unchanged form of the next verb (like 'hablar', 'comer', 'vivir'). Don't change the second verb!

Forgetting 'que'

Mistake: “Él tiene estudiar mucho.”

Correction: Always include 'que' after 'tiene' when talking about obligation: 'Él tiene que estudiar mucho.'

deba

DEH-bah/ˈde.βa/

VerbB1General
Use 'deba' (subjunctive form of deber) to express a softer obligation, a recommendation, or a requirement that is not as direct or forceful as 'tener que'. It often appears in contexts expressing desire or doubt.
A small, determined figure is holding an oversized, shiny golden key, standing directly in front of a massive, simple wooden door with a prominent keyhole, symbolizing a required action.

Examples

No quiero que él deba trabajar el fin de semana.

I don't want him to have to work this weekend.

Es crucial que yo deba revisar los detalles antes de firmar.

It is crucial that I must review the details before signing.

Dudo que ella le deba una explicación.

I doubt that she owes him an explanation.

Subjunctive Trigger

You use 'deba' when the main part of the sentence expresses doubt, emotion, a wish, or a judgment about the obligation. For instance, after phrases like 'Es importante que...' (It is important that...).

Form Identity

'Deba' is the special form used for 'yo' (I), 'él/ella' (he/she/it), and 'usted' (you formal).

Confusing Subjunctive and Indicative

Mistake: “Using 'No creo que él debe ir' (I don't think he must go).”

Correction: The correct form is 'No creo que él deba ir.' When you express doubt ('No creo que...'), you must use the special verb form ('deba').

deberá

deh-beh-RAH/de.βeˈɾa/

VerbB1General
Use 'deberá' (future tense of deber) to indicate a future obligation or necessity that is expected or will be required at a later time.
A colorful storybook illustration of a determined small character standing at the base of a large, steep hill with a clearly marked, unavoidable path leading straight to the top, symbolizing necessity or obligation.

Examples

El presidente deberá tomar una decisión difícil la próxima semana.

The president must make a difficult decision next week.

Si no hay tráfico, el autobús deberá llegar en diez minutos.

If there is no traffic, the bus will probably arrive in ten minutes.

Usted deberá firmar este documento antes de salir.

You (formal) will have to sign this document before leaving.

Future Obligation

The word 'deberá' means 'he/she/it must' or 'you (formal) must' do something in the future. It is a strong statement of requirement.

Expressing Probability

You can use 'deberá' to express a strong guess about a future event, similar to saying 'it will probably happen' or 'it must be true.'

Using 'debería' instead of 'deberá'

Mistake: “Using 'él debería' when you mean a strong, mandatory requirement.”

Correction: Use 'deberá' for official rules or certain necessity. 'Debería' means 'should' (a recommendation), which is much softer.

Tener que vs. Deber

Learners often confuse 'tener que' and 'deber'. Remember, 'tener que' implies a stronger, more direct obligation, like a command or urgent need. 'Deber' is generally softer, implying a moral duty, recommendation, or less immediate requirement.

Related Translations

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