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How to Say "you must" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “you must” is “debes” — use 'debes' for a direct and strong obligation or necessity in the present, often when you are the one imposing the rule..

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debes

DEH-bess/ˈde.βes/

VerbA1General
Use 'debes' for a direct and strong obligation or necessity in the present, often when you are the one imposing the rule.
A child wearing a helmet and gloves firmly holds a shovel next to a large pile of dirt, illustrating the strong obligation that 'you must' complete a task.

Examples

Debes estudiar para el examen.

You must study for the exam.

Debes terminar la tarea antes de salir.

You must finish the homework before going out.

Si quieres aprender, debes practicar todos los días.

If you want to learn, you should practice every day.

Debes ser más amable con tu hermana.

You ought to be nicer to your sister.

Stating Obligations

To say someone 'must' or 'should' do something, use 'deber' followed by the action verb in its original '-ar', '-er', or '-ir' form. For example, 'Debes comer' (You must eat).

Mixing up 'debes' and 'tienes que'

Mistake: “Using them as if they are exactly the same in all situations.”

Correction: 'Debes' often implies a moral duty or strong advice ('You should be honest'). 'Tienes que' points to a more practical necessity or rule ('You have to buy a ticket'). In many cases, though, you can use either one.

tienes

/tyeh-ness//ˈtjenes/

VerbA2General
Use 'tienes' (often with 'que') to express a strong, personal obligation or necessity that applies directly to the listener.
A person looking at a checklist with a determined expression, symbolizing an obligation or task that must be done.

Examples

Tienes que terminar tu trabajo antes de las cinco.

You have to finish your work before five o'clock.

Tienes que estudiar para el examen.

You have to study for the exam.

Para ir al centro, tienes que tomar el autobús.

To go downtown, you have to take the bus.

Lo siento, tienes que esperar tu turno.

I'm sorry, you have to wait your turn.

The 'tener que' formula

To say someone has to do something, use the formula: (form of tener) + 'que' + (the action verb in its base form). For example, 'tienes que correr'.

Forgetting the 'que'

Mistake: “Tienes estudiar más.”

Correction: You must include 'que' between 'tienes' and the next verb: 'Tienes que estudiar más.'

deberás

VerbA2General
Use 'deberás' to indicate a strong obligation or requirement that applies to a future action or situation.

Examples

Deberás presentar tu pasaporte en la aduana.

You will have to present your passport at customs.

debéis

VerbA1Informal (Spain)
Use 'debéis' in Spain for an obligation or necessity directed at multiple people you are addressing informally.

Examples

Para aprobar, debéis completar todas las actividades.

To pass, you all must complete all the activities.

tenéis

VerbA2Informal (Spain)
Use 'tenéis' (often with 'que') in Spain to express a strong, personal obligation or necessity for multiple people you are addressing informally.

Examples

Tenéis que llegar a tiempo a la reunión.

You all have to arrive on time for the meeting.

Confusing 'deber' vs. 'tener que'

Learners often confuse the verbs 'deber' and 'tener que'. While both express obligation, 'tener que' often implies a stronger, more personal necessity, whereas 'deber' can sound more like a general duty or moral obligation.

Related Translations

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