Spanish · B1 · Family moment
Growing Smile Advice in Spanish
Giving gentle advice to children often requires a softer tone than direct commands. In Spanish, we use the conditional form of the verb 'deber' (debería) to express what one 'should' do, which is less forceful than 'tener que' (to have to).
What you'll learn
- Use the conditional form of 'deber' to give suggestions.
- Distinguish between obligation and gentle recommendations.
- Learn dental care vocabulary in Spanish.
Spanish phrases for growing smile advice
Deberías cepillarte los nuevos dientes definitivos con cuidado.
You should brush your new adult teeth carefully.
'Deberías' is the 'you' form of 'should'. 'Dientes definitivos' is the common term for adult teeth.
Deberíamos preguntarle al dentista sobre tu diente flojo.
We should ask the dentist about your loose tooth.
'Diente flojo' describes a tooth that is wobbly or loose.
Tu hermano debería usar un cepillo de dientes más suave.
Your brother should use a softer toothbrush.
'Debería' is used here for the third person singular (he/she).
Tú y tu hermana deberían cepillarse durante dos minutos.
You and your sister should brush for two minutes.
'Deberían' is the plural 'you' (ustedes) form used for advice to multiple people.
Debería poner una botella de agua en tu bolsa de deporte.
I should put a bottle of water in your sports bag.
'Debería' is also the first person (I) form in the conditional.
Deberías dejar tranquilo tu diente flojo si te duele.
You should leave your loose tooth alone if it hurts.
'Dejar tranquilo' is a natural way to say 'leave alone' in this context.
Deberíamos elegir una merienda con menos azúcar para tu fiambrera.
We should choose a snack with less sugar for your lunchbox.
'Fiambrera' or 'lonchera' are common words for a lunchbox.
Tú y tus amigos deberían usar los protectores bucales durante el entrenamiento de hockey.
You and your friends should wear your mouthguards during hockey practice.
'Protectores bucales' is the plural for mouthguards.
Hear these phrases and practise them
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Try it free for 7 daysKey words
debería
should
The conditional form of the verb 'deber' used for advice.
diente flojo
loose tooth
Literally 'limp' or 'loose' tooth.
cepillo de dientes
toothbrush
Literally 'brush of teeth'.
protector bucal
mouthguard
'Bucal' relates to the mouth (boca).
The Conditional for Advice (Should)
To give a recommendation instead of a command, use the conditional tense of the verb 'deber'. This functions like 'should' in English.
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| I should | Yo debería | Debería llamar al dentista. |
| You should | Tú deberías | Deberías comer menos caramelos. |
| We should | Nosotros deberíamos | Deberíamos comprar hilo dental. |
Obligation vs. Advice
It is important to distinguish between 'must' (obligation) and 'should' (advice).
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Must / Have to | Tener que / Deber (Present) | Tienes que lavarte los dientes. (Requirement) |
| Should | Debería (Conditional) | Deberías lavarte los dientes. (Recommendation) |
More examples
¿Debería usar hilo dental hoy?
Should I use dental floss today?
Asking for advice using the conditional.
Ustedes deberían visitar al dentista cada seis meses.
You (plural) should visit the dentist every six months.
General health recommendation.