How to say Should Have in Spanish

Question

The latest post in my new blog, Helping You Learn Spanish.

What do you think? How to say Should Have in Spanish

By the way. Great link. Thanks. - gringojrf, Jul 7, 2013

I tried to put a hyperlink on your link but it didn't work. Sorry. - gringojrf, Jul 7, 2013

I googled it and I can't find it, rodney. Can you post a hyperlink? - Maria-Russell, Jul 7, 2013

You should do one more on "would have". Would, could and should are difficult for beginners to translate into Spanish. - gringojrf, Jul 7, 2013

Nice clear explanation! - pacofinkler, Jul 7, 2013

Yes Rdney i agree with Gringoj would could and should often trip up beginners and intermediate students of Spanish :) - FELIZ77, Jul 7, 2013

Very helpful. - katydew, Jul 8, 2013

Answer 1

Well the "obligation" implied by should is often expressed with deber. And have spoken is the perfect tense.

So. "Debería haber hablado".

I used hablar but you can use any verb. Debería haber corrido. Debería haber quedado callado.

Ooops. I should have opened your link first. - gringojrf, Jul 7, 2013

Good to see you Gringo!!! - pacofinkler, Jul 7, 2013

And you. - gringojrf, Jul 7, 2013

Good answer, I also think deber is the most use in ' should' contexts. - annierats, Jul 7, 2013

Answer 2

I edited my original post and it's now a hyperlink. But here it is again anyway.

How to say Should Have in Spanish

Great, Thanks rodneyp. - Maria-Russell, Jul 7, 2013

I needed that yesterday. Thanks. - katydew, Jul 8, 2013

Answer 3

A little clarification of the English.

Any Modal with a "present perfect veb" after it puts the modal in the past.

I could have done it = I had the opportunity and abiity to do it but I didn't do it.

I would have done it = I didn't have the opportunity to do it.

I should have / ought to have done it = I didn't

I might have done (it) = I don't really remember.

You do this with any verb and some of the Modals.

Answer 4

Yes, great link ! I agree with Gringojrf He is rght!

I should have read the instructions before operating this machine = Debería haber leído las instrucciones antes de manejar (o operar) esta máquina.

I should have listened before speaking = Debería haber esuchado antes de hablar.

I hope this helps

Answer 5

You should do one more on "would have". Would, could and should are difficult for beginners to translate into Spanish

Yep, that one will be coming soon!