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How to Say "we should" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “we should” is “debemos” — use 'debemos' to express a strong recommendation, obligation, or necessity. It indicates something that is required or highly advisable to do..

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debemos

/deh-BEH-mohs//deˈβe.mos/

VerbA2General
Use 'debemos' to express a strong recommendation, obligation, or necessity. It indicates something that is required or highly advisable to do.
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.

deberíamos

VerbA2General
Use 'deberíamos' for softer suggestions or advice. It implies a recommendation that is not as strong as an obligation, more of a polite hint.

Examples

Deberíamos llamar a nuestros padres más a menudo.

We should call our parents more often.

debíamos

deh-BAH-mohs/deˈβamos/

VerbA2General
Use 'debíamos' to talk about a past obligation or duty that was not fulfilled, or something that was expected to happen but didn't.
Two people working together, straining slightly, as they lift and carry a very large, heavy wooden box together.

Examples

Debíamos estudiar para el examen de historia, pero vimos una película.

We were supposed to study for the history exam, but we watched a movie.

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.)

debamos

deh-BAH-mohs/deˈβamos/

VerbB1General
Use 'debamos' (subjunctive) when expressing a recommendation or necessity within a dependent clause, often following expressions of doubt, desire, or importance.
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.)

Obligation vs. Suggestion

The most common confusion is between 'debemos' (strong obligation/necessity) and 'deberíamos' (softer suggestion/advice). Remember, 'debemos' is closer to 'we must,' while 'deberíamos' is a gentler 'we ought to' or 'it would be good if we...'

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