How to Say "owe" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “owe” is “deba” — B1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
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').
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