obtener
/obteˈneɾ/
To obtain in Spanish is obtener.
The verb obtener means to get hold of, to gain possession of, to procure or to acquire in any way.
Meaning: to get hold of, to gain possession of, to procure, to acquire, in any way (verb)
Which one should you use?
While obtener is used for formal or abstract acquisition, the verb conseguir is a more common and versatile alternative for saying 'to get' or 'to achieve' in everyday speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the preterite tense, the first-person singular form is obtuve (I obtained) and the third-person singular form is obtuvo (he/she/it obtained). The conditional form is obtendría (I/he/she would obtain).
How do you pronounce it?
/obteˈneɾ/
Did you know?
- While obtener means to get something, Spanish has a separate word, alcanzar, for obtaining a goal that required a physical or metaphorical reach.
- The concept of obtaining a result can be expressed via obtener, but if the result is a 'win' or 'victory', Spanish speakers prefer lograr, which implies a struggle.
- The verb obtener is a derivative of tener, meaning it shares the same irregular stem changes in many tenses. If you know how to conjugate 'to have' in Spanish, you already know the skeleton of 'to obtain'.
Examples in context
- Les ofrecemos la oportunidad de obtener una formación en ciencias matemáticas.We offer you the chance to obtain training in the mathematical sciences.This sentence shows how to use obtener regarding mathematical training.Tatoeba #1125820 by marcelostockle, translation #1125824 by marcelostockle
- La combinación es una maniobra táctica, con sacrificio material, con el objetivo de obtener alguna ventaja a corto o largo plazo.The combination is a tactical maneuver, with material sacrifice, aiming to obtain some advantage in the short or long term.This sentence uses obtener in the context of gaining an advantage.Tatoeba #10538068 by carlosalberto, translation #10538066 by carlosalberto
- Conseguí el puesto de trabajo que tanto quería.I obtained the job I wanted so much.
- No logró conseguir la aprobación del proyecto.He didn't manage to obtain project approval.
- Es necesario obtener un permiso antes de ingresar al país.It is necessary to obtain a permit before entering the country.
- Debemos obtener los resultados del estudio lo antes posible.We have to obtain the study results as soon as possible.
- Me gustaría conseguir información sobre los eventos del fin de semana.I would like to obtain information about weekend events.
- Voy a conseguir una buena nota en el examen.I am going to get a good grade on the exam.
- Voy a agarrar unos dulces del frasco.I'm going to grab some candy from the jar.
- Necesito obtener un permiso para el viaje.I need to obtain a permit for the trip.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are discussing a new job requirement.
- MaríaTengo que obtener mi certificado oficial.I have to obtain my official certificate.
- DanielEs muy fácil conseguirlo por internet.It's very easy to get it online.
- María¿Crees que puedo obtenerlo hoy mismo?Do you think I can obtain it today?
- DanielSí, Daniel puede ayudarte con eso.Yes, Daniel can help you with that.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “obtain” translations and entries obtener, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
