Spanish · B1 · Family moment
Gentle Checkup Advice in Spanish
This guide focuses on using the Spanish conditional form of the verb 'deber' (should) to offer gentle advice and make notes after a baby's medical check-up. This form is softer than the indicative 'deber' (must) or 'tener que' (have to).
What you'll learn
- Use 'debería' to express gentle recommendations.
- Distinguish between obligation and soft advice in a parental context.
- Apply the conditional tense of 'deber' across different subjects (I, you, we).
Spanish phrases for gentle checkup advice
Debería anotar mis preguntas antes de tu próximo chequeo.
I should write down my questions before your next check-up.
Uses 'debería' for a personal reminder/advice.
Deberías descansar tranquilamente después de esta mañana tan ajetreada.
You should have a quiet rest after this busy morning.
'Deberías' is the informal 'you' form for giving baby advice.
Deberíamos empezar a cepillarte el dientecito dos veces al día.
We should start brushing your little tooth twice a day.
'Deberíamos' involves both parents or the family unit.
Tú y papá deberíais tomaros un descanso antes de la próxima toma.
You and Dad should take a break before the next feed.
Uses 'deberíais' for the plural 'you' (vosotros) common in Spain.
Debería preguntarle al médico sobre el sarpullido de tu mejilla.
I should ask the doctor about the rash on your cheek.
'Preguntarle' includes the indirect object pronoun 'le' referring to the doctor.
Deberíamos ofrecerte un poco de agua con tu comida.
We should offer you a little water with your meal.
'Ofrecerte' combines the verb with the pronoun 'te' (to you).
Deberías tener algo de tiempo para gatear por el suelo.
You should have some time to crawl on the floor.
'Gatear' is the specific verb for a baby crawling.
Tú y la abuela deberíais buscar un lugar con sombra para vuestro abrazo.
You and Grandma should find a shady place for your cuddle.
'Sombra' means shade/shadow.
Hear these phrases and practise them
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
Chequeo / Revisión
Check-up
'Revisión' is very common in medical contexts in Spain.
Sarpullido
Rash
Refers to skin irritation common in infants.
Toma
Feed / Feeding
Refers to a single session of breastfeeding or bottle feeding.
Gatear
To crawl
Specifically used for babies moving on hands and knees.
The Conditional of 'Deber' (Should)
To express 'should' in Spanish, we use the Conditional tense of the verb 'deber'. Unlike the present tense 'debes' (you must), the conditional 'deberías' (you should) sounds like a suggestion rather than a command.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Yo (I) | Debería | Debería llamar al pediatra. |
| Tú (You - sing.) | Deberías | Deberías dormir un poco más. |
| Nosotros (We) | Deberíamos | Deberíamos comprar más pañales. |
| Vosotros (You - plural) | Deberíais | Deberíais salir a caminar. |
More examples
¿Debería preocuparme por esta tos?
Should I worry about this cough?
Common question for parents using the 'should' form.
No deberías quitarle el sombrero al sol.
You shouldn't take off his/her hat in the sun.
Negative advice using 'no' before the verb.