Using 'Recibir' for Abstract Concepts

This verb is very straightforward! It follows the standard pattern for verbs ending in '-ir' in all tenses, so you don't have to worry about tricky stem changes.

Regular -IR Verb

Use 'recibir' when you are the passive recipient—the action comes to you (a letter, news, money). If you actively sought it out, 'obtener' or 'conseguir' might be better.

Quick Use

Extremely common. Used for getting almost anything, from physical objects to news and abstract ideas.

Confusing 'Host' with 'Organize'

When 'recibir' is used to welcome a specific person or group, you must use the 'personal A' directly before the name or description of the people being welcomed: 'recibir *a* los amigos'.

Personal 'A'

Commonly used in formal contexts or when referring to hospitality.

When used to mean 'suffer' or 'sustain,' 'recibir' sounds more formal and detached than 'sufrir,' which emphasizes the personal emotional pain.

Formal Tone

This meaning is used when the subject is the passive target of an external negative force (a blow, a punishment, damage). The subject isn't actively doing anything except experiencing the pain.

Use with Passive Events

Used in formal or journalistic language, typically with a negative connotation (suffering something).

Learn how to use the Spanish verb 'recibir' (to receive, to get, to welcome). Includes full conjugation tables for all tenses and tips to distinguish it from 'aceptar'.

recibir

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations