Inklingo

How to Say "rightful" in Spanish

English → Spanish

debido

/deh-BEE-doh//deˈβi.ðo/

adjectiveB2formal
Use 'debido' when referring to something that is owed, required, or appropriate according to duty, law, or custom, often implying a formal or expected entitlement.
A young child carefully bowing slightly while offering a wrapped gift box with both hands to an older, smiling adult, symbolizing due respect.

Examples

El ladrón recibió el castigo debido por sus crímenes.

The thief received the due punishment for his crimes.

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).

merecido

/meh-reh-SEE-doh//meɾeˈθiðo/

adjectiveB1
Use 'merecido' when referring to something earned or deserved as a reward or consequence, often implying a sense of fairness or equity after effort or action.
A happy child receiving a gold trophy on a podium after a race.

Examples

Después de tanto esfuerzo, su éxito es completamente merecido.

After so much effort, his success is completely deserved.

Después de trabajar tanto, tienes un merecido descanso.

After working so much, you have a well-earned rest.

Fue un premio muy merecido.

It was a very well-deserved prize.

Matching the Noun

This word changes its ending to 'merecida' if the thing you are describing is feminine (like 'una victoria merecida').

Placement

Mistake: “Un descanso muy merecer.”

Correction: Un descanso muy merecido.

Debido vs. Merecido

Learners often confuse 'debido' and 'merecido' because both relate to deserving something. Remember that 'debido' implies an obligation or requirement, while 'merecido' focuses on earning something through actions, good or bad.

Related Translations

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