recibir
/reθiˈbiɾ/
To receive in Spanish is recibir. Wiktionary also lists receptar.
Meaning: to take what is offered, accept from another (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| recibir | /reθiˈbiɾ/ /resiˈbiɾ/ |
| receptar | /reθebˈtaɾ/ /resebˈtaɾ/ |
The verb recibir is used to mean taking what is offered or accepting something from another.
Which one should you use?
While recibir is the standard verb for receiving objects or messages, receptar is used in technical contexts to describe the reception of signals or biological processes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle of recibir is recibido, used to form perfect tenses. The first-person singular preterite form of recibir is recibí.
How do you pronounce it?
/reθiˈbiɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use receptar for everyday receiving (like receiving a gift), but recibir is the correct choice for general use.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, recibir is used to describe the act of taking a blow or a hit in sports or combat, such as recibir un golpe.
- In Spanish, the verb recibir is used not only for taking an object but also to welcome guests into a home, similar to the English 'to receive visitors'.
- The word 'receive' in English and recibir in Spanish both trace back to the same ancient Proto-Indo-European root, '*kap-', which is related to the idea of 'seizing' or 'taking'.
Examples in context
- Es más dulce dar que recibir.It is sweeter to give than to receive.This sentence uses recibir to compare the act of giving and receiving.Tatoeba #1771582 by Shishir, translation #1548525 by Scott
- Cada niño recibirá un regalo.Each child will receive a gift.This sentence uses recibir to describe a future action of receiving a gift.Tatoeba #13670971 by Seael, translation #10933191 by CK
- Estaba feliz de recibir mi sueldo.I was happy to receive my paycheck.This sentence uses recibir to express happiness regarding receiving a paycheck.Tatoeba #1532575 by marcelostockle, translation #681859 by Source_VOA
- 30 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Sofía are discussing a delivery.
- DanielNo pude recibir el paquete ayer.I couldn't receive the package yesterday.
- SofíaYo puedo recibirlo por ti hoy.I can receive it for you today.
- DanielGracias, Sofía. ¿Está en casa?Thanks, Sofía. Is she at home?
- SofíaSí, ella puede recibir el pedido.Yes, she can receive the order.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “receive” translations and entries recibir, receptar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries receptar, recibir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
