recibir
/reθiˈbiɾ/
To receive in Spanish is recibir.
The verb recibir is used when you receive objects or messages. If you want to emphasize that you are receiving something through effort, such as obtaining or acquiring something, the verb obtener is often more appropriate.
Which one should you use?
While recibir is used for receiving objects or messages, the verb obtener is often used when the sense is to obtain or to acquire through effort.
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person singular preterite form (past tense) of recibir is recibí. The past participle of recibir is recibido.
How do you pronounce it?
/reθiˈbiɾ/
Did you know?
- The word recibidor describes a small entryway or foyer in a house, literally referring to the place where one 'receives' visitors.
- In some contexts, the phrase recibir una paliza is used idiomatically to mean 'to receive a beating' or to lose a game very badly.
- The Latin root of recibir, recipere, is a direct ancestor to the English word 'receipt'.
Examples in context
- Es más dulce dar que recibir.It is sweeter to give than to receive.This sentence is useful for expressing the idea that giving is sweeter than recibir.Tatoeba #1771582 by Shishir, translation #1548525 by Scott
- Estaba feliz de recibir mi sueldo.I was happy to receive my paycheck.This sentence shows how to express being happy to recibir a paycheck.Tatoeba #1532575 by marcelostockle, translation #681859 by Source_VOA
- Me gusta recibir cartas de amigos.I like to receive letters from friends.This sentence demonstrates how to express a preference for recibir letters from friends.Tatoeba #2399102 by marcelostockle, translation #1762239 by Amastan
- Fui a la oficina de correos a recibir un paquete importante.I went to the post office to receive an important package.
- El equipo obtuvo el reconocimiento que merece.The team received the recognition it deserves.
- Recibí un regalo sorpresa de mi mejor amiga.I received a surprise gift from my best friend.
- Voy a recoger el paquete que me dejaste en la oficina.I'm going to receive/pick up the package you left for me at the office.
- Mi hermano recibió una beca para estudiar en el extranjero.My brother received a scholarship to study abroad.
- Recogí el paquete en la oficina de correos ayer.I received/picked up the package at the post office yesterday.
- Ayer acepté el premio en nombre de todo el equipo.Yesterday I received the award on behalf of the entire team.
- 15 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Daniel are talking about a package.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿puedes recibir el paquete por mí?Daniel, can you receive the package for me?
- DanielSí, claro, yo lo puedo recibir hoy.Yes, of course, I can receive it today.
- MaríaGracias, no voy a estar en casa.Thanks, I am not going to be at home.
- DanielNo hay problema, María.No problem, María.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry recibir, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries recibir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
