должен

Definitions

1. 1.
   Used to express indebtedness. Usually translated as the verb "to owe", with the person indebted to in dative case and the thing owed in accusative case.

   • Он до́лжен мне пять ты́сяч рубле́й.

     On dólžen mne pjatʹ týsjač rubléj. — He owes me five thousand rubles.

2. 2.
   Used to express obligation or suggestion. Usually translated as "must", "have to", "should" or "supposed to".

   • Слу́жащие должны́ во́время явля́ться на рабо́ту.

     Slúžaščije dolžný vóvremja javljátʹsja na rabótu. — Employees must report to work on time.

3. 3.
   Used to express likelihood. Usually translated as "should".

   • Затме́ние должно́ наступи́ть в три часа́.

     Zatménije dolžnó nastupítʹ v tri časá. — The eclipse should occur at three o'clock.

4. 4.
   supposed, meant (to) (used to indicate an intention)

   • Э́то должно́ бы́ло быть шу́ткой.

     Éto dolžnó býlo bytʹ šútkoj. — That was supposed to be a joke.

   • Она́ должна́ была́ прийти́ ещё вчера́.

     Oná dolžná bylá prijtí ješčó včerá. — She was meant to come yesterday.

   • Подожди́те, он до́лжен верну́ться к обе́ду.

     Podoždíte, on dólžen vernútʹsja k obédu. — Wait, he's supposed to be back by lunch.

Synonyms & related words

Forms