recibo
“recibo” means “receipt” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
receipt
Also: bill, proof of payment
📝 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.
I receive
Also: I get
📝 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?
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: recibo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'recibo' as a thing you can hold, not an action?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *recipere*, meaning 'to take back' or 'to welcome.' This root gives us the idea of taking possession of something, whether it's an object or a piece of documentation.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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').