conseguir el
/konseɡiɾ el/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'get the' is translated into Spanish as conseguir el.
Which one should you use?
While conseguir el is common for everyday use, obtener el is a more formal alternative used in professional or academic contexts. Additionally, English speakers sometimes use 'get the' to mean 'bring the', but in Spanish, conseguir el implies acquiring or obtaining something, whereas traer el means to physically carry something to a location.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase must change its article to match the gender and number of the noun being obtained. Depending on the noun, you may use conseguir la for feminine singular, conseguir los for masculine plural or conseguir las for feminine plural.
How do you pronounce it?
/konseɡiɾ el/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word el is a false cognate of the Arabic word ال (al-), which is the source of the English definite article 'the'. Although they sound similar and serve the same function, they come from entirely different linguistic roots.
- If you are trying to 'get' someone's attention, you would never use conseguir, as that implies you are trying to 'obtain' the person like a prize or an object.
- The concept of 'getting' something in Spanish is split into distinct actions. While conseguir means to acquire, a phrase like 'get the door' would require abrir meaning to open.
Examples in context
- ¿Dónde puedo conseguir el mapa?Where can I get the map?This sentence is useful for asking where to find a map using conseguir el.Tatoeba #3272906 by marcelostockle, translation #45121 by CK
- Él no pudo conseguir el trabajo.He couldn't get the job.This sentence is useful for expressing an inability to acquire a job using conseguir el.Tatoeba #692735 by Shishir, translation #47600 by CK
- Tom no pudo conseguir el libro que quería.Tom couldn't get the book he wanted.This sentence is useful for describing the inability to acquire a specific book using conseguir el.Tatoeba #1412956 by marcelostockle, translation #1026581 by CK
- Obtener el libroGet the book
- Obtener la cartaGet the letter
- Conseguir el regaloGet the gift
- Conseguir la respuestaGet the answer
- Agarrar el teléfonoGet the phone
- Agarrar la pelotaGet the ball
- Coger el periódicoGet the newspaper
- ¿Dónde puedo obtener el formulario de solicitud?Where can I get the application form?
- ¿Dónde puedo agarrar las llaves del coche?Where can I get the car keys?
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Mateo are discussing a new job opening.
- MaríaTengo que conseguir el puesto de gerente.I have to get the manager position.
- MateoTú tienes mucha experiencia, María.You have a lot of experience, María.
- María¿Crees que puedo conseguir el empleo pronto?Do you think I can get the job soon?
- MateoSí, estoy seguro de que lo lograrás.Yes, I am sure you will achieve it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries conseguir, el, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
