Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| acusar recibo | /akusaɾ ɾeθibo/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /akusaɾ ɾesibo/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
| confirmar que se recibió | /konfiɾmaɾ ke se ɾeθibjo/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /konfiɾmaɾ ke se ɾesibjo/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
When you want to notify someone that you have received a document, message or package, you use acusar recibo. In different contexts, other verbs can also mean 'to acknowledge'. For example, reconocer is a general and neutral term used in formal settings. To acknowledge a fact or a situation, you can use aceptar. If you are acknowledging someone's merit or giving them credit, use the phrase reconocer el mérito. Additionally, admitir can serve as a formal synonym for acknowledge.
Which one should you use?
Acusar recibo is a fixed idiomatic expression specifically used for formal writing, such as professional or legal correspondence. In contrast, confirmar que se recibió is a more descriptive and literal way to say the same thing and it can be used in both formal and neutral speech.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal professional or legal correspondence, acusar recibo is the standard term. In informal conversations, you can acknowledge something more simply by saying sí (yes), claro (of course/sure), vale (okay) or entendido (understood).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase acusar recibo functions as an intransitive verbal unit when used to mean 'to acknowledge receipt' and does not require a direct object.
How do you pronounce it?
/akusaɾ ɾeθibo/
Did you know?
- While acusar recibo is a standard fixed expression for professional correspondence, using the verb acusar alone in a conversation might lead someone to think you are accusing them of a crime.
- The verb reconocer is used for both acknowledging a fact and recognizing a person's face or a familiar place.
- The word acusar appeared in Spanish as early as the epic poem El Cid, though scholars still debate if it was inherited from Latin or borrowed early on.
Examples in context
- Le agradezco que reconozca mi trabajoI appreciate that you acknowledge my work
- Debemos admitir los errores cometidosWe must acknowledge the mistakes made
- Es importante que aceptemos la realidadIt is important that we acknowledge the reality
- La compañía debe reconocer el mérito de sus empleadosThe company should acknowledge its employees' merit
- Sí, entiendo lo que dicesYes, I understand what you're saying
- Vale, no te preocupesOkay, don't worry
- Entendido, nos vemos mañanaGot it, see you tomorrow
- Debes acusar recibo del paquete hoy.You must acknowledge receipt of the package today.
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are discussing a work email.
- Mateo¿Ya acusaste recibo del contrato, Lucía?Have you acknowledged receipt of the contract yet, Lucía?
- LucíaNo, lo haré en un momento.No, I will do it in a moment.
- MateoEs importante acusar recibo de documentos legales.It is important to acknowledge receipt of legal documents.
- LucíaTienes razón, Mateo. Lo haré ahora mismo.You are right, Mateo. I will do it right now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “acknowledge” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries acusar, confirmar, que, recibo, se, CC BY-SA 4.0.
