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recibir

reh-see-BEER/re.siˈβiɾ/

receive, get

Also: obtain, collect
VerbA1regular ir
A person happily receiving a brightly wrapped gift package from a delivery person.
infinitiverecibir
gerundrecibiendo
past Participlerecibido

📝 In Action

Recibimos la carta ayer por la mañana.

A1

We received the letter yesterday morning.

¿Recibiste mi mensaje de texto?

A2

Did you get my text message?

Ella recibirá un premio por su trabajo.

B1

She will receive an award for her work.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • recibir una llamada – to receive a call
  • recibir un correo electrónico – to get an email

welcome, host

Also: meet (upon arrival)
VerbB1regular irneutral/formal
A person warmly welcoming a visitor at a doorway with an outstretched hand and a friendly smile.
infinitiverecibir
gerundrecibiendo
past Participlerecibido

📝 In Action

La familia me recibió con los brazos abiertos.

B1

The family welcomed me with open arms.

El presidente recibirá a la delegación mañana.

B2

The president will receive (host) the delegation tomorrow.

Abrimos la puerta para recibir a los clientes.

A2

We open the door to welcome the customers.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • acoger (to welcome/take in)
  • dar la bienvenida (to give a welcome)

Common Collocations

  • recibir visita – to have visitors/guests
  • recibir en casa – to host at home

suffer, sustain

Also: incur
VerbB2regular irformal
A sad child sitting down and holding a bandaged knee, illustrating undergoing a negative experience.
infinitiverecibir
gerundrecibiendo
past Participlerecibido

📝 In Action

El boxeador recibió un golpe fatal en el último asalto.

B2

The boxer suffered a fatal blow in the last round.

El edificio recibió graves daños por el terremoto.

C1

The building sustained serious damage from the earthquake.

Tuvo que recibir las críticas del jefe en silencio.

B2

He had to take the boss's criticism in silence.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • sufrir (to suffer)
  • padecer (to endure)

Common Collocations

  • recibir un castigo – to receive/suffer a punishment
  • recibir heridas – to sustain injuries

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

él/ella/ustedrecibe
yorecibo
túrecibes
ellos/ellas/ustedesreciben
nosotrosrecibimos
vosotrosrecibís

imperfect

él/ella/ustedrecibía
yorecibía
túrecibías
ellos/ellas/ustedesrecibían
nosotrosrecibíamos
vosotrosrecibíais

preterite

él/ella/ustedrecibió
yorecibí
túrecibiste
ellos/ellas/ustedesrecibieron
nosotrosrecibimos
vosotrosrecibisteis

subjunctive

present

él/ella/ustedreciba
yoreciba
túrecibas
ellos/ellas/ustedesreciban
nosotrosrecibamos
vosotrosrecibáis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedrecibiera
yorecibiera
túrecibieras
ellos/ellas/ustedesrecibieran
nosotrosrecibiéramos
vosotrosrecibierais
View All Tenses & Moods →

🔀 Commonly Confused With

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✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: recibir

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'recibir' in the sense of 'to host or welcome'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
la recepción(reception (noun), front desk) — Noun
el recibo(receipt) — Noun
el recipiente(recipient, container) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin verb *recipere*, which means 'to take back' or 'to accept.' It is related to the English word 'receipt' (something received) and 'reception' (the act of receiving).

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: receberFrench: recevoirItalian: ricevere

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'recibir' and 'aceptar'?

'Recibir' is the physical act of getting something (it lands in your hands or inbox). 'Aceptar' means you agree to keep or take on what was offered. You can receive a package (recibirlo) but choose not to accept it (no aceptarlo).

How do I say 'I received a discount'?

The most common and natural way is 'Recibí un descuento.' This uses the simple past tense (preterite) which is perfect for completed actions.