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How to Say "we must" in Spanish

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tenemos

/teh-NEH-mohs//teˈne.mos/

Verb PhraseA1General
Use 'tenemos que' to express a strong, practical obligation or necessity, often indicating a consequence if the action is not taken.
A group of students looking at a large pile of books on a library table, indicating that they have a lot of studying to do.

Examples

Tenemos que irnos ahora o perderemos el tren.

We have to leave now or we will miss the train.

Mañana tenemos que levantarnos temprano.

Tomorrow we have to get up early.

Tenemos que hablar sobre el plan.

We have to talk about the plan.

The 'Have To' Formula

To say 'we have to do' something, the formula is always the same: 'tenemos que' + the basic, unchanged form of the action verb (like 'comer', 'hablar', 'escribir').

Don't Forget 'que'!

Mistake: “Saying 'Tenemos ir a la tienda.'”

Correction: Always include 'que' after 'tenemos' when you mean 'have to'. The correct way is 'Tenemos que ir a la tienda.'

debemos

/deh-BEH-mohs//deˈβe.mos/

VerbA2General
Use 'debemos' for a strong sense of duty or moral obligation, often implying a rule or a generally accepted necessity.
Two children standing in front of a half-finished sandcastle on a sunny beach, holding tools with determined expressions, symbolizing a shared obligation.

Examples

Debemos terminar la tarea antes de salir.

We must finish the homework before going out.

Si queremos estar sanos, debemos comer más verduras.

If we want to be healthy, we should eat more vegetables.

Debemos respetar las opiniones de los demás.

We ought to respect the opinions of others.

Expressing 'Should' vs. 'Must'

'Debemos' is flexible. It can mean a strong command like 'we must' or gentler advice like 'we should'. The situation usually makes the meaning clear.

'Debemos' vs. 'Tenemos que'

Mistake: “Thinking 'debemos' and 'tenemos que' are exactly the same.”

Correction: They're very close! Use 'tenemos que' for a practical necessity ('We have to buy milk'). Use 'debemos' when there's also a sense of moral duty ('We should help'). But in many cases, you can use either.

debamos

deh-BAH-mohs/deˈβamos/

VerbB1Formal/Subjunctive
Use 'debamos' in subjunctive clauses to express a necessity or obligation that is hypothetical, desired, or dependent on another condition.
Two people working together, straining slightly, as they lift and carry a very large, heavy wooden box together.

Examples

Es crucial que debamos actuar rápido para solucionar esto.

It is crucial that we act quickly to solve this.

No creo que debamos salir tan tarde.

I don't think we should leave so late.

Ojalá que no debamos trabajar el fin de semana.

Hopefully, we won't have to work this weekend.

The Special 'Subjunctive' Form

This 'debamos' form is used when the main part of the sentence expresses doubt, desire, command, or necessity (e.g., 'Es importante que...' or 'Dudo que...').

Debamos vs. Debemos

Use 'debemos' (indicative) when you are certain of the obligation ('We must go now'). Use 'debamos' (subjunctive) when the obligation is uncertain or desired ('I hope we must go').

Using the wrong form after doubt

Mistake: “No creo que debemos ir.”

Correction: No creo que debamos ir. (When you express doubt, Spanish requires the special 'subjunctive' form.)

Choosing Between 'Tenemos Que' and 'Debemos'

Learners often confuse 'tenemos que' and 'debemos'. Remember that 'tenemos que' usually implies a more immediate or practical necessity, while 'debemos' often carries a stronger sense of moral duty or a general rule.

Related Translations

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