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"Conviene" is a form of "convenir", an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to be advisable". "Debería" is a form of "deber", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to owe". Learn more about the difference between "conviene" and "debería" below.
convenir(
kohm
-
beh
-
neer
)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to be advisable
Conviene ponerse protector solar para salir a la calle.It's advisable to put on sunscreen before going out in the street.
b. to be a good idea
No conviene que vayas sola por la calle de noche.It's not a good idea for you to walk down the street on your own at night.
c. to be worth
Conviene considerar la posibilidad de hacer ventas en línea.It would be worth considering the possibility of selling online.
d.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
Creo que esto es lo que conviene hacer.I think this is what we should do.
Conviene que no se pierda de vista lo que queremos conseguir.We should not lose sight of what we want to achieve.
a. to suit
Elige un día que te convenga para venir aquí.Choose a day that suits you to come here.
b. to be convenient
Puedes contactarme cuando te convenga.You can contact me whenever it's convenient for you.
a. to do good
Te conviene guardar reposo unos días más.It would do you good to rest for a few more days.
b. to do well
Te convendría recordar quién soy yo.You would do well to remember who I am.
c. to be in the interest of
No le conviene a la industria farmacéutica que alguien se entere de esto.It isn't in the pharmaceutical industry's interest for anyone to find out about this.
d. to be good for
Esta vida no me conviene. Ya sé que me hace daño.This lifestyle isn't good for me. I know it's harming me.
e.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
A Enrique le podría convenir probar estos remedios naturales.Enrique might find it worth his while trying these natural remedies
Me convendría relajarme un poco.I could do with some relaxation.
a. to agree on
Convinimos en la necesidad de luchar contra el cambio climático.We agreed on the need to fight against climate change.
b. to agree to
Los partidos convinieron en adelantar las elecciones unos meses.The parties agreed to delay the elections by a few months.
c. to agree
Todos convinieron en que el turismo representaba la mejor oportunidad de generar empleos en la región.Everyone agreed that tourism offered the best chance of generating employment in the region.
a. to agree
Mi madre convino en que yo tenía razón.My mother agreed that I was right.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to agree (price or date)
La empresa convino el sueldo con el trabajador antes de firmar el contrato.The company agreed the salary with the employee before the contract was signed.
b. to agree on
Hemos convenido un precio mínimo.We've agreed on a minimum price.
c.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct translation
Horario a convenir entre la empresa y el estudiante.Hours to be agreed between the company and the student.
Vendo libro de segunda mano. Precio a convenir.Second-hand book for sale. Price negotiable.
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deber(
deh
-
behr
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to owe
El dinero que me debe cubriría mis facturas.The money he owes me would cover my bills.
An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
auxiliary verb
a. should
Los culpables de delitos viales deben ser sancionados.Traffic offenders should be punished.
b. have to
Ya sabes que debes ponerte la corbata para ir al colegio.You know you have to wear your tie to go to school.
c. must
Debo ser responsable.I must be responsible.
d. ought to
Es tu hermano, debes ayudarlo.He's your brother. You ought to help him.
a. must
¿Cuántos años tiene tu profesora de francés? - Debe tener unos cuarenta.How old is your French teacher? - She must be around forty.
a. should
No deberías fumar tanto. Vas a acabar con una tos crónica.You shouldn't smoke so much. You'll end up having a chronic cough.
b. ought to
Deberías ser más amable con los vecinos.You ought to be more polite to our neighbors.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. duty
Es mi deber proteger mi país.It's my duty to protect my country.
b. obligation
Es tu deber como madre cuidar a tus hijos.It's your obligation as a mother to take care of your children.
los deberes
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
plural noun
a. homework
Tengo un montón de deberes que hacer este fin de semana.I have a ton of homework to do this weekend.
deberse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
pronominal verb
a. to be due to
Esta situación se debe a la falta de información.This situation is due to a lack of information.
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