debe
must
The Spanish word 'debe' is used to translate the English term 'must'. It is primarily used to express obligation or necessity. Like in English, it is commonly used in formal contexts or the imperative mood. For example, in the sentence, 'One must learn Spanish', you can say 'Uno debe aprender Español'.
Example sentences using: debe
Ella debe estudiar para el examen.
She has to study for the exam.
In this phrase, 'debe' is used to express an obligation or necessity. The subject 'Ella' is obligated to perform the action of studying for the exam.
Ellos deben lavar los platos
They must wash the dishes
Here, 'deben' is the plural form of 'debe', indicating that the obligation is for a plural subject 'Ellos'.
Fernando debe pagar el alquiler
Fernando must pay the rent
The verb 'debe' is used to express a responsibility that Fernando has, in this case, to pay rent.
Usted debe recoger a los niños de la escuela
You must pick up the children from school
With 'debe', the phrase imposes a formal obligation on 'Usted' to pick up the children.
Nosotros debemos respetar las reglas
We must respect the rules
'Debemos' is the plural form of 'debe', relating the obligation or duty to a group 'Nosotros' to respect rules.
Yo debo hacer la tarea
I must do the homework
In this case, 'debo' is used to denote a personal obligation or duty ('Yo') to do the homework.
Este documento debe llevar tu firma
This document must carry your signature
'Debe' is used here to imply a required action; the document requiring a signature.
Mi perro debe comer su comida
My dog has to eat his food
This phrase uses 'debe' to express a necessity for the subject, 'Mi perro', to eat his food.
Tú debes llegar temprano a la reunión
You must arrive early to the meeting
In this sentence, 'debes' is used to stress on a strong recommendation or an obligation for 'Tú' to arrive early.
El tren debe salir a las cuatro
The train must leave at four
This sentence denotes an expectation or plan for the train ('El tren') to leave at a certain time using 'debe'.