Debo (en. Must)
/ˈde.βo/
Meaning & Definition
EnglishSpanish
verb
It expresses obligation or necessity to do something.
I must study for the exam.
Debo estudiar para el examen.
It indicates that something is the consequence of a previous action.
I owe my friend money.
Debo el dinero a mi amigo.
Used to express that someone has the responsibility to do something.
I must help my parents with household chores.
Debo ayudar a mis padres con las tareas del hogar.
Etymology
From the Latin "debere," which means to owe or to have to.
Common Phrases and Expressions
I must do it
I have the obligation to do it.
debo hacerlo
I must tell you
It is necessary for me to inform you about something.
debo decirte
I owe a lot to someone
I have a debt or gratitude towards someone.
debo mucho a alguien
Related Words
to owe
Obligation or responsibility to do something.
deber
debt
Amount of money owed to someone.
deuda
moral obligation
Ethical responsibility to act in a certain way.
deber moral
Slang Meanings
To push duty to the maximum.
Whenever they tell me that I must, I give it my all.
Siempre que me dicen que debo, yo debo a fondo.
To have to achieve an important accomplishment.
Today I must finish my project to pass the course.
Hoy debo terminar mi proyecto para pasar el curso.