recién
“recién” means “just” in Spanish (before a past participle or adjective).
just, newly
Also: recently
📝 In Action
El bebé recién nacido duerme mucho.
A2The newborn baby sleeps a lot.
Esta es la nueva oficina de la empresa recién inaugurada.
B1This is the company's new, newly inaugurated office.
Los recién llegados deben registrarse en la recepción.
B2The people who just arrived must register at the front desk.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: recién
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'recién' in standard Spanish?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Spanish adjective *reciente* (recent), which itself comes from the Latin *recens*, meaning 'fresh' or 'new.' 'Recién' is simply the shortened form of the longer adverb *recientemente*.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'recién' and 'recientemente'?
They both mean 'recently,' but 'recién' is a shortened form used almost exclusively right before a word that describes a new state (like 'recién pintado'—newly painted). 'Recientemente' is the full adverb form and can be placed more flexibly in the sentence, often next to the main verb.
Can I use 'recién' instead of 'acabar de'?
In most standard Spanish usage, when you want to say 'I just did something' (referring to a recent action), you should use the phrase 'acabar de' + the infinitive verb (e.g., 'Acabo de llegar' / I just arrived). While some regions do use 'recién' with a simple verb, 'acabar de' is universally understood and safer.