Which one should you use?
The phrase ¿Quieres un recibo? is the informal way to ask this question, whereas ¿Desea usted un recibo? and ¿Le gustaría un comprobante de pago? are formal versions. In a very casual setting or when speaking to someone you know, you can also use ¿quieres el recibo? Another common variation used by cashiers is ¿le doy el recibo?, which translates to "Shall I give you the receipt?"
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, you might hear ¿Quieres el ticket? or ¿Te doy tu recibo? In Argentina, the regional variations include ¿Querés el comprobante? and ¿Te hago el ticket?
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are in a very casual setting or speaking to someone you know, you can use the informal quieres instead of desea.
When do people say it?
When a cashier asks if you want a receipt, you can respond affirmatively by saying Sí, por favor (Yes, please) or decline by saying No, gracias (No, thank you).
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, the word boleta is preferred over recibo for a sales slip, especially in retail or for public transport.
- While recibo is general, the formal comprobante de pago is often required for official tax deductions or business expenses in Spanish-speaking countries.
- The word recibo is a deverbal noun, meaning it was directly created from the verb recibir, which means 'to receive'.
Examples in context
- ¿Desea usted un recibo para los gastos de la empresa?Do you want a receipt for company expenses?
- Aquí tiene su cambio. ¿Desea su recibo?Here is your change. Do you want your receipt?
- Se lo puedo enviar por correo. ¿Desea su recibo?I can send it to you by email. Do you want your receipt?
Example conversation
Sofía is paying for a coffee at a small cafe.
- JavierSon cinco euros, por favor.That is five euros, please.
- SofíaAquí tiene el dinero.Here is the money.
- Javier¿Desea su recibo?Do you want your receipt?
- SofíaNo, gracias. Que tenga un buen día.No, thank you. Have a nice day.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries recibo, su, CC BY-SA 4.0.
