Spanish Conversation · Level 14
89 words
Spanish word
deber
Pronunciation
IPA/deˈβeɾ/
Meaning
- verbhave to
Example
Yo debo estudiar para el examen.
I have to study for the exam.
More examples
Se debe apagar el teléfono en el auditorio.
People should turn off their phones in the auditorium.
Core concept
A person holding an unpaid bill in one hand and a responsibility checklist in the other.
Common phrases
deberías + infinitivo
you should + infinitive
deber + infinitivo
must + infinitive
se debe + infinitivo
people should + infinitive
Similar words
tener que: Requiring action because of external circumstances, promises, or arrangements.
necesitar: Needing something or an action to remedy a lack or meet a practical requirement.
obligar: Compelling someone to act through orders, pressure, or coercion.
Definition in Spanish
Indicar que una persona está obligada o tiene la responsabilidad de realizar una acción, o que debe algo a otra persona.
Word origin
From Latin debēre 'to owe', originally meaning to owe money and later extended to the idea of owing an action or having a duty.
Usage tips
- Deber + infinitive usually marks obligation or moral duty, deber de + infinitive often expresses probability, and tener que conveys stronger or external necessity.