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"Debo" is a form of "deber", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to owe". "Tengo que" is a phrase which is often translated as "I have to". Learn more about the difference between "debo" and "tengo que" below.
deber(
deh
-
behr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
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.).
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 masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
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.
6. (education)
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.).
a. to be due to
Esta situación se debe a la falta de información.This situation is due to a lack of information.
tengo que(
tehng
-
goh
keh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
c. I must
Tengo que ir a verla. Le debo una visita desde hace una semana.I must go see her. I've owed her a visit for two weeks.
