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How to Say "you should" in Spanish

English → Spanish

debes

DEH-bess/ˈde.βes/

VerbA1general
Use 'debes' when giving a direct piece of advice or stating an obligation that is generally expected or required.
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 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.

deberías

VerbA2general
Use 'deberías' to offer a recommendation or suggestion, implying something is a good idea rather than a strict requirement.

Examples

Deberías estudiar más para el examen.

You should study more for the exam.

debéis

Verb (Conjugated Form)A1Spain informal plural
Use 'debéis' when giving advice or a recommendation to a group of people you are addressing informally in Spain.

Examples

Para entender la lección, debéis leer el capítulo dos.

To understand the lesson, you all must read chapter two.

Obligation vs. Recommendation

The most common confusion is between 'debes' (stronger, more like 'must') and 'deberías' (softer, more like 'ought to'). While both can translate 'you should,' 'debes' implies a stronger sense of necessity or a direct command, whereas 'deberías' is a gentler suggestion.

Related Translations

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