recibo
/reh-SEE-boh/
receipt
A receipt (recibo) is proof of purchase.
recibo(noun)
receipt
?proof of purchase
bill
?utility or recurring payment, e.g., electricity or water
,proof of payment
?general documentation
📝 In Action
¿Puede darme el recibo de esta compra?
A2Can you give me the receipt for this purchase?
Necesito pagar el recibo del agua antes del viernes.
B1I need to pay the water bill before Friday.
Guarda todos los recibos para la declaración de impuestos.
B2Keep all the receipts for the tax declaration.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Since 'recibo' ends in -o, it is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el recibo' (the receipt).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Factura' vs. 'Recibo'
Mistake: "Using 'factura' when you mean a simple store receipt."
Correction: 'Recibo' is the general word for the proof of payment you get at a store. 'Factura' is usually a more formal, detailed invoice, often used for business expenses.
⭐ Usage Tips
Utility Bills
In many Spanish-speaking countries, bills for services like electricity, gas, and water are almost always referred to as 'el recibo'.
When I take an object given to me, I receive (recibo) it.
📝 In Action
Yo recibo un mensaje de texto cada mañana.
A1I receive a text message every morning.
Recibo mucha ayuda de mis compañeros.
A2I get a lot of help from my colleagues.
Si lo ordeno hoy, ¿cuándo lo recibo?
A2If I order it today, when will I receive it?
💡 Grammar Points
Recognizing the Verb
The verb form 'recibo' only means 'I receive' or 'I am receiving.' It is the base 'yo' form for the present tense, similar to how 'I speak' comes from 'to speak'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Double Meaning Alert!
Be careful! 'Recibo' can mean 'I receive' (verb) or 'the receipt' (noun). The difference is usually clear from the rest of the sentence (especially if you hear 'el recibo' or 'un recibo').
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: recibo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'recibo' as a thing you can hold, not an action?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'recibo' the same as 'factura'?
Not exactly. 'Recibo' is generally the simple proof of payment you get at a shop or a recurring utility bill. 'Factura' is a more formal document, often required for business accounting or warranties, and usually includes specific tax information.
How do I know if 'recibo' means 'I receive' or 'receipt'?
Look for the little words! If you see 'el recibo' or 'un recibo,' it is the noun ('the receipt'). If you see 'Yo recibo' or the sentence starts with 'Recibo' and is about an action, it is the verb ('I receive').