Inklingo

How to Say "they must" in Spanish

English → Spanish

deben

/DEH-ben//ˈde.βen/

VerbA2General
Use 'deben' when the obligation is a matter of duty, strong recommendation, or logical conclusion.
Two children diligently putting colorful wooden blocks into a large toy chest, symbolizing the obligation to complete a required chore.

Examples

Ellos deben ser más cuidadosos con sus pertenencias.

They must be more careful with their belongings.

Ellos deben terminar la tarea antes de salir.

They must finish the homework before going out.

Ustedes deben respetar las reglas del juego.

You (all) must respect the rules of the game.

Los doctores dicen que todos deben comer más verduras.

Doctors say that everyone should eat more vegetables.

Obligation: deber + [base verb]

To say someone 'must' or 'should' do something, you use 'deber' followed by the simple, unchanged form of the next verb. For example, 'Ellos deben estudiar' (They must study).

'deben' vs. 'tienen que'

'Deben' often suggests a moral duty or strong advice ('They should be honest'). 'Tienen que' usually implies an external rule or necessity ('They have to wear a uniform'). In many cases, they can be used interchangeably.

Adding an extra word

Mistake: “Ellos deben a estudiar.”

Correction: Ellos deben estudiar. The verb 'deber' connects directly to the next verb without needing a little word like 'a' or 'de' in between when talking about obligation.

tienen

/tyeh-nen//ˈtje.nen/

Verb PhraseA2General
Use 'tienen que' to express a strong, unavoidable obligation or necessity, often imposed by external circumstances or rules.
Three cartoon students being gently pulled toward a large open book by a thick rope, symbolizing obligation.

Examples

Tienen que entregar el informe antes del viernes.

They have to hand in the report before Friday.

Tienen que estudiar para el examen.

They have to study for the exam.

Ustedes tienen que salir ahora.

You (all) have to leave now.

Los jugadores tienen que entrenar todos los días.

The players have to train every day.

The 'Tener que' Formula

This is a super useful structure. Just add 'que' after 'tienen' and then follow it with the basic form of a verb, like 'correr' (to run) or 'comer' (to eat).

Forgetting 'que'

Mistake: “Ellos tienen estudiar más.”

Correction: You always need the little word 'que' to connect 'tienen' to the action. It should be 'Ellos tienen que estudiar más.'

Obligation vs. Requirement

The most common mistake is using 'deben' when a direct, external requirement is meant. Remember that 'tienen que' is generally more common for everyday, unavoidable tasks or rules. 'Deben' often carries a sense of what is right or expected.

Related Translations

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