recibe
/reh-SEE-beh/
receives
Recibe means 'receives' (he/she/it receives).
recibe(verb)
receives
?he/she/it receives (present tense)
,gets
?obtains or acquires
receive!
?informal command (tú imperative)
,obtains
?formal/written contexts
📝 In Action
Mi hermano nunca recibe mis mensajes de texto.
A1My brother never receives my text messages.
¿Usted recibe muchos correos electrónicos del trabajo?
A2Do you (formal) receive many emails from work?
¡Recibe este regalo como un símbolo de nuestra amistad!
B1Receive this gift as a symbol of our friendship!
💡 Grammar Points
Present Tense Uses
"Recibe" is used for actions happening now, or for habits that happen regularly: 'Ella recibe visitas cada semana' (She receives visitors every week).
The 'Tú' Command
The word 'recibe' is also the informal command form ('tú'): '¡Recibe mi ayuda!' (Receive my help!). This is common for regular -er and -ir verbs.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing up 'Recibir' and 'Tomar'
Mistake: "Using 'tomar' for receiving an object like a gift or package."
Correction: 'Tomar' means to take or grab. Use 'recibir' when something is sent or given to you: 'Ella recibe el paquete' (She receives the package).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
When speaking formally to one person (Usted), you use 'recibe'. When speaking informally (Tú), you also use 'recibe' for the command form.
Recibe can also mean 'suffers' or 'experiences damage'.
recibe(verb)
suffers
?experiences damage or injury
,undergoes
?subjected to something
takes
?takes a blow/hit
📝 In Action
El boxeador recibe un golpe fuerte en el estómago.
B1The boxer takes a strong punch to the stomach.
La propuesta recibe muchas críticas de la prensa.
B2The proposal receives a lot of criticism from the press.
Esta parte del muro recibe todo el impacto del viento.
B2This part of the wall takes the full impact of the wind.
💡 Grammar Points
Use with Abstract Nouns
This meaning often pairs with abstract nouns like 'críticas' (criticism), 'presión' (pressure), or 'castigo' (punishment).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Contexts
In news reports or formal writing, 'recibir' is often used as a passive way to say something has been subjected to a negative force.
Recibe means 'welcomes' (to greet or accept a visitor).
recibe(verb)
welcomes
?to greet or accept a visitor
,hosts
?to entertain guests
entertains
?when referring to guests
📝 In Action
La empresa recibe a sus clientes en una sala privada.
B2The company welcomes its clients in a private room.
Mi familia siempre recibe a los viajeros con comida y café.
B2My family always hosts travelers with food and coffee.
💡 Grammar Points
The Personal 'A'
When the action is directed at a person (the guest or client), you must use the word 'a' right before the person: 'Recibe a su primo' (He receives his cousin).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'A'
Mistake: "La casa recibe los invitados (The house receives the invitations)."
Correction: La casa recibe *a* los invitados (The house receives the guests). Remember the little 'a' when the object is a person.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: recibe
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'recibe' to mean 'to suffer or experience'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'recibe' irregular?
No, 'recibir' is a regular -ir verb in all its conjugations, including 'recibe.' You can rely on the standard patterns for all tenses.
What is the difference between 'recibe' and 'reciba'?
'Recibe' is the most common form, used when talking about 'he/she/it' or the informal command 'you.' 'Reciba' is a special verb form (the subjunctive) used for formal commands ('Usted') or expressing wishes, doubts, or necessity.