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How to Say "must" in Spanish

English → Spanish

deber

deh-BEHRdeˈβeɾ

verbA1general
Use 'deber' for a direct, strong obligation or necessity, often when the speaker is imposing it or stating a general truth.
A determined rabbit character looking up a winding path marked by a large red arrow, symbolizing a strong obligation to proceed.

Examples

Debes estudiar para el examen mañana.

You must study for the exam tomorrow.

Todos debemos respetar las reglas.

We all should respect the rules.

Deberías llamarla para disculparte.

You ought to call her to apologize.

Using 'Deber'

To express an obligation, always use 'deber' followed immediately by the base form of the other verb (the infinitive). Example: 'Debo ir' (I must go).

Conditional for Advice

Use the conditional form ('debería') to give gentle advice or make a mild recommendation. It works exactly like 'should' or 'ought to' in English.

Confusing Obligation and Necessity

Mistake: “Using 'es necesario' too often.”

Correction: 'Deber' is usually a more natural and direct way to tell someone they should do something than saying 'It is necessary that...'

tiene

verbA2general
Use 'tener que' (conjugated form of tener) to express a strong obligation or necessity, often perceived as external or unavoidable.

Examples

Ella tiene que estudiar para el examen.

She has to study for the exam.

deba

verbB1general
Use the subjunctive form 'deba' (from deber) when expressing a desired, recommended, or less direct obligation, often in dependent clauses.

Examples

No quiero que él deba trabajar el fin de semana.

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

deberá

verbB1general
Use the future tense 'deberá' (from deber) to indicate a future obligation, necessity, or strong probability.

Examples

El presidente deberá tomar una decisión difícil la próxima semana.

The president must make a difficult decision next week.

Debes vs. Tienes que

The most common confusion is between 'deber' and 'tener que'. While both express strong obligation, 'tener que' often feels more immediate or unavoidable, whereas 'deber' can sound more like a moral duty or a general rule. For everyday, strong obligations, 'tener que' is often preferred.

Related Translations

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