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"Derechos" is a form of "derechos", a plural noun which is often translated as "duties". "Deberes" is a form of "deberes", a plural noun which is often translated as "homework". Learn more about the difference between "derechos" and "deberes" below.
los derechos(
deh
-
reh
-
chohs
)
A plural noun indicates that there is more than one person, place, thing, or idea.
plural noun
a. duties
Tuvieron que pagar los derechos de aduana para importar la mercancía.They had to pay the customs duties to import the goods.
b. fees
¿Cuánto vienen siendo los derechos de admisión a esta escuela?How much are the admission fees at this school?
c. dues
Denunciaron a la empresa por no pagar los derechos portuarios.They sued the company for not paying the harbor dues.
a. rights
Tenemos los derechos exclusivos para su autobiografía.We have the exclusive rights to her autobiography.
derecho, el derecho
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. right
El futbolista se lastimó el pie derecho.The soccer player injured his right foot.
b. right-hand
Tu oficina está a la mano derecha al entrar.Your office is on the right-hand side as you go in.
a. straight
Este árbol ha crecido completamente derecho.This tree has grown completely straight.
b. upright
Hay que poner derecho las sillas que tumbó el viento.We need to put upright the chairs the wind blew over.
a. honest
Mi vecino es un hombre derecho y humilde.My neighbor is an honest, humble man.
b. upright
Ojalá me pareciera derecho por lo menos uno de los candidatos.I wish at least one of the candidates seemed upright to me.
c. straight
No temas tratar con ella. Es derecha cuando se trata de los negocios.Don't be afraid of dealing with her. She’s straight when it comes to business.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
a. straight ahead
Sigue derecho por esta calle y llegarás enseguida.Go straight ahead down this street and you'll be there in no time.
a. upright
Camina derecho, con los hombros hacia atrás y la cabeza en alto.Walk upright with your shoulders back and your head held high.
a. straight
Después de trabajar, fui derecho al gimnasio.After work, I went straight to the gym.
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
masculine noun
a. law
Mi hijo va a estudiar derecho en la universidad.My son is going to study law at college.
a. right
Todos los niños tienen derecho a la educación.Every child has the right to an education.
a. right side (clothing)
No planches el pantalón por el derecho o le darás brillo.Don't iron the pants on the right side or they'll get shiny.
b. outside
El derecho de este suéter está lleno de pelusas.The outside of this sweater is covered in lint.
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los deberes(
deh
-
beh
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rehs
)
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.
deber
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.
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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