dever

Senses

1. 1.

   must, have to, should

   to be obliged or required to do something

2. 2.

   owe

   to be indebted to someone for money or a favor

3. 3.

   probably, must (inference)

   to express logical deduction or high probability

Examples

• "Você deve chegar no horário."

  You must arrive on time.

• "Ele me deve dinheiro desde o mês passado."

  He has owed me money since last month.

• "Deve estar chovendo lá fora."

  It's probably raining outside.

Usage

*Dever* is one of the most common modal verbs in Portuguese. When expressing obligation or necessity, use *dever + infinitive*. The sense of owing money or a favor uses *dever + object + infinitive/noun*. In the inferential sense (probability/deduction), *dever* is often used alone or with a noun/adjective. Common mistake: confusing *dever* (must) with *poder* (can/may).