recibir
/reh-see-BEER/
receive
Recibir (to receive): Taking delivery of an object, like a gift.
recibir(Verb)
receive
?to take delivery of something
,get
?to obtain
obtain
?formal or official contexts
,collect
?e.g., a payment
📝 In Action
Recibimos la carta ayer por la mañana.
A1We received the letter yesterday morning.
¿Recibiste mi mensaje de texto?
A2Did you get my text message?
Ella recibirá un premio por su trabajo.
B1She will receive an award for her work.
💡 Grammar Points
Regular -IR Verb
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.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Recibir' for Abstract Concepts
Mistake: "Recibí una educación en la universidad."
Correction: Obtuve/Tuve una educación en la universidad. (While possible, 'recibir' is less natural for abstract experiences like education or training unless it’s a diploma.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Quick Use
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.
Recibir (to welcome): Greeting someone warmly as they arrive.
recibir(Verb)
welcome
?to greet someone
,host
?to receive guests
meet (upon arrival)
?at the airport or door
📝 In Action
La familia me recibió con los brazos abiertos.
B1The family welcomed me with open arms.
El presidente recibirá a la delegación mañana.
B2The president will receive (host) the delegation tomorrow.
Abrimos la puerta para recibir a los clientes.
A2We open the door to welcome the customers.
💡 Grammar Points
Personal 'A'
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'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Host' with 'Organize'
Mistake: "Recibimos la conferencia anual en nuestro hotel."
Correction: Albergamos la conferencia anual en nuestro hotel. ('Recibir' means hosting people, not necessarily hosting the entire organized event.)
Recibir (to suffer): Undergoing a negative experience, such as an injury.
recibir(Verb)
suffer
?to undergo a negative experience
,sustain
?e.g., an injury or damage
incur
?e.g., a penalty or fine
📝 In Action
El boxeador recibió un golpe fatal en el último asalto.
B2The boxer suffered a fatal blow in the last round.
El edificio recibió graves daños por el terremoto.
C1The building sustained serious damage from the earthquake.
Tuvo que recibir las críticas del jefe en silencio.
B2He had to take the boss's criticism in silence.
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Tone
When used to mean 'suffer' or 'sustain,' 'recibir' sounds more formal and detached than 'sufrir,' which emphasizes the personal emotional pain.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with Passive Events
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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: recibir
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'recibir' in the sense of 'to host or welcome'?
📚 More Resources
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.