debido
adjectiveCEFR B2
What does “debido” mean in English?
due — used in debido a
due — used in debido a (due to/owing to, causal connector); also: como es debido = properly/as it should be
Example sentences
El proyecto se retrasó varios meses debido a la escasez de materiales y a los problemas logísticos imprevistos.
The project was delayed by several months due to shortages of materials and unforeseen logistical problems.
Debido a los cambios en la normativa fiscal, las empresas deberán adaptar sus sistemas de facturación antes de julio.
Due to changes in tax regulations, companies will need to adapt their invoicing systems before July.
El contrato no fue firmado como es debido; hay cláusulas que quedaron sin revisar.
The contract was not signed as it should have been; there are clauses that were left unreviewed.
How to use it
Debido/a in its key B2 use functions as a prepositional phrase: debido a = due to / owing to (because of). It is a classifying adjective functioning as a discourse connector. Collocations: debido a esto, debido a las circunstancias, debido a causas externas. Note: como es debido = as it should be done, properly — a fixed idiom. Also: a su debido tiempo = in due course. Distinguish debido a (reason/cause, formal) from por (informal cause marker) — both translate 'due to/because of' but debido a is more formal.
Common mistake
Debido a (due to/owing to) is more formal than por (because of) and is preferred in writing and formal speech. 'The delay was due to poor planning' = El retraso se debió a una mala planificación. Don't confuse debido a (causal connector) with debería (should — conditional of deber). Como es debido = properly/as it should be is a fixed idiom — don't translate it literally.