Spanish Verb Deber Conjugation, Meaning, Translation, Examples

Amelia Smith

1 year ago

In this article, I am going to explain the Spanish verb Deber Conjugation, Deber synonyms, Example Sentences with Deber, Antonyms for Deber, meaning and translation.

In the rich tapestry of the Spanish language, the verb “deber” weaves a thread of responsibility and obligation that holds a profound significance in our lives.

As we delve into the art of conjugation, “deber” emerges as a guiding force that steers us towards fulfilling our duties and acknowledging our debts.

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Origin and History of Deber

With roots in Latin, “deber” found its way into the Spanish language, encapsulating the essence of owing or being obligated to do something. Over time, it has evolved into a versatile verb that symbolizes the binding sense of duty.

What is the Meaning of Deber?

At its core, “deber” translates to “to owe” or “to must” in English. It carries the weight of responsibility, implying that certain actions or tasks are expected or required to be performed.

Real-World Examples

Example 1: Debo terminar mi tarea antes de salir con mis amigos. (I must finish my homework before going out with my friends.)

Here, “debo” signifies the obligation to complete the homework before engaging in other activities.

Example 2: Él debe llamar a su madre todos los días. (He should call his mother every day.)

In this sentence, “debe” expresses the expectation or responsibility to make a daily phone call to his mother.

List of Synonyms for Deber

Tener que (to have to)
Estar obligado/a a (to be obligated to)
Estar en deuda con (to be in debt to)
Estar comprometido/a a (to be committed to)
Estar sujeto/a a (to be subject to)
Tener la responsabilidad de (to have the responsibility to)
Tener el deber de (to have the duty to)
Estar en la obligación de (to be under the obligation to)
Estar encomendado/a de (to be entrusted with)
Tener la carga de (to have the burden of)

10 Sentences for Deber in Spanish

Debes estudiar para el examen de mañana. (You must study for tomorrow’s exam.)
No debo comer dulces antes de cenar. (I shouldn’t eat sweets before dinner.)
Ella debe llegar a tiempo a la reunión. (She is supposed to arrive on time to the meeting.)
¿Debemos traer regalos para la fiesta? (Should we bring gifts to the party?)
Los estudiantes deben prestar atención en clase. (The students must pay attention in class.)
Deben resolver el problema lo antes posible. (They should solve the problem as soon as possible.)
Debéis completar el formulario antes de enviarlo. (You all must fill out the form before submitting it.)
El equipo debe ganar el partido para avanzar a la final. (The team needs to win the match to advance to the final.)
Mi hermano debe cuidar de mi mascota mientras estoy de viaje. (My brother has to take care of my pet while I’m traveling.)
El jefe debe firmar los documentos antes del cierre del día. (The boss has to sign the documents before the end of the day.)

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Deber Present Indicative

Yo debo (I must)
Tú debes (You must)
Él/Ella/Usted debe (He/She/You must)
Nosotros/Nosotras debemos (We must)
Vosotros/Vosotras debéis (You all must)
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes deben (They/You all must)

Deber Preterite Indicative

Yo debí (I had to)
Tú debiste (You had to)
Él/Ella/Usted debió (He/She/You had to)
Nosotros/Nosotras debimos (We had to)
Vosotros/Vosotras debisteis (You all had to)
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes debieron (They/You all had to)

Deber Imperfect Indicative

Yo debía (I used to have to)
Tú debías (You used to have to)
Él/Ella/Usted debía (He/She/You used to have to)
Nosotros/Nosotras debíamos (We used to have to)
Vosotros/Vosotras debíais (You all used to have to)
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes debían (They/You all used to have to)

Deber Future Indicative

Yo deberé (I will have to)
Tú deberás (You will have to)
Él/Ella/Usted deberá (He/She/You will have to)
Nosotros/Nosotras deberemos (We will have to)
Vosotros/Vosotras deberéis (You all will have to)
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes deberán (They/You all will have to)

Deber Periphrastic Future Indicative

Yo voy a deber (I am going to have to)
Tú vas a deber (You are going to have to)
Él/Ella/Usted va a deber (He/She/You are going to have to)
Nosotros/Nosotras vamos a deber (We are going to have to)
Vosotros/Vosotras vais a deber (You all are going to have to)
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes van a deber (They/You all are going to have to)

Deber Conditional Indicative

Yo debería (I would have to)
Tú deberías (You would have to)
Él/Ella/Usted debería (He/She/You would have to)
Nosotros/Nosotras deberíamos (We would have to)
Vosotros/Vosotras deberíais (You all would have to)
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes deberían (They/You all would have to)

Deber Present Progressive/Gerund Form

Yo estoy debiendo (I am owing)
Tú estás debiendo (You are owing)
Él/Ella/Usted está debiendo (He/She/You are owing)
Nosotros/Nosotras estamos debiendo (We are owing)
Vosotros/Vosotras estáis debiendo (You all are owing)
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes están debiendo (They/You all are owing)

Deber Past Participle

Debiendo (owing)

Deber Present Subjunctive

Que yo deba (That I must)
Que tú debas (That you must)
Que él/ella/usted deba (That he/she/you must)
Que nosotros/nosotras debamos (That we must)
Que vosotros/vosotras debáis (That you all must)
Que ellos/ellas/ustedes deban (That they/you all must)

Deber Imperfect Subjunctive

Que yo debiera (That I had to)
Que tú debieras (That you had to)
Que él/ella/usted debiera (That he/she/you had to)
Que nosotros/nosotras debiéramos (That we had to)
Que vosotros/vosotras debierais (That you all had to)
Que ellos/ellas/ustedes debieran (That they/you all had to)

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Deber Imperative

Debe (Must – singular)
No debas (Don’t have to – singular)
Deba (Must – formal singular)
No deba (Don’t have to – formal singular)
Debamos (Let’s have to)
No debamos (Let’s not have to)
Debed (Must – plural)
No debáis (Don’t have to – plural)
Deban (Must – formal plural)
No deban (Don’t have to – formal plural)

Short Conclusion

As we journey through life, “deber” stands as a steadfast companion, guiding us through the paths of responsibility and obligation. Its diverse conjugations reflect the intricacies of our duties and the importance of acknowledging the debts we owe. Embracing the essence of “deber,” we are empowered to fulfill our commitments and embrace the call to action. Just as this verb takes center stage in the Spanish language, let it inspire us to embrace our roles as responsible individuals and global citizens. Whether it’s the obligations of daily life or the debt of gratitude we owe to others, “deber” invites us to explore the depths of our own accountability and the power of our actions in shaping the world around us.

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