Debes vs. deberías

Melinda S.C1Kwiziq community member

Debes vs. deberías

I often hear both forms on the radio… “las noticias que tú deberías saber” as well as “las noticias que debes saber” Can you explain the difference. When is it appropriate to use deber in the present tense to me (you should)

This question relates to:Spanish lesson "Using deber to say should in Spanish"

Asked 2 years ago

Like1Answer2

InmaNative Spanish expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Hola Melinda

Deber in the present tense is used when what you want to say is "must" and Deber in the conditional tense is used for "should". Deber is a modal verb that can be used in different tenses. For example:

Debo ir al médico pronto.

I must to to the doctor soon.

Debes saber la verdad.

You must know the truth.

Debería ir al médico pronto.

I should go to the doctor soon.

Deberías saber la verdad.

You should know the truth.

Saludos

Inma

Like72 years ago

Amy S.A2Kwiziq community member