Deben (en. Must)

/ˈdeβen/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish

verb

Indicates an obligation or responsibility.

Students must submit their assignments on time.

Los estudiantes deben entregar sus tareas a tiempo.

Expresses an expectation or assumption.

They must be home at this hour.

Ellos deben estar en casa a esta hora.

Refers to a debt or commitment.

You owe money to the bank.

Ustedes deben dinero al banco.

From the Latin 'debere', meaning 'to owe' or 'to have an obligation.'

they must be

it is used to express that something is logical or necessary.

deben ser

they must know

it indicates that someone has the responsibility to know certain information.

deben saber

they must take into account

it suggests that something should be considered when making a decision.

deben tener en cuenta

owe

verb that indicates obligation.

deber

obligation

responsibility to do something.

obligación

debt

amounts of money that are owed.

deuda

refers to someone who always fulfills what they must do.

That guy is a 'must' because he never forgets anything.

Ese tipo es un 'deben' porque nunca se le olvida nada.

indicates an action that is expected to be carried out.

You're going to the party, that's what you 'must' do, don't be late!

Vas a la fiesta, eso es lo que 'deben' hacer, ¡no llegues tarde!