Inklingo

How to Say "get" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “get” is “recibir” — use 'recibir' when 'get' means to obtain or be given something tangible, like a letter or a package..

recibir🔊A1

Use 'recibir' when 'get' means to obtain or be given something tangible, like a letter or a package.

{ui.learnMore}
comprender🔊A1

Use 'comprender' when 'get' means to understand information, a concept, or a question.

{ui.learnMore}
ve🔊A1

Use 've' (informal command of 'ir') when 'get' is part of an idiom like 'get going' or 'get to the store'.

{ui.learnMore}
hazte🔊A2

Use 'hazte' (informal command of 'hacerse') when 'get' implies becoming something or changing into a role, like 'become a doctor'.

{ui.learnMore}
consiga🔊B1

Use 'consiga' (formal command of 'conseguir') to mean obtain or acquire something, whether concrete or abstract.

{ui.learnMore}
ponte🔊B1

Use 'ponte' (informal command of 'ponerse') to command a change in emotional state or mood, like 'get serious'.

{ui.learnMore}
póngase🔊B1

Use 'póngase' (formal command of 'ponerse') to command a change in state or condition, like 'get comfortable'.

{ui.learnMore}
reciba🔊B1

Use 'reciba' (formal command of 'recibir') for receiving something, often used in slightly more formal or polite contexts.

{ui.learnMore}
saquen🔊B1

Use 'saquen' (command of 'sacar') specifically when referring to getting grades or results.

{ui.learnMore}
English → Spanish

recibir

reh-see-BEER/re.siˈβiɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'recibir' when 'get' means to obtain or be given something tangible, like a letter or a package.
A person happily receiving a brightly wrapped gift package from a delivery person.

Examples

Recibimos la carta ayer por la mañana.

We received the letter yesterday morning.

¿Recibiste mi mensaje de texto?

Did you get my text message?

Ella recibirá un premio por su trabajo.

She will receive an award for her work.

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.

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.)

comprender

/kom-pren-DER//kom.pɾenˈdeɾ/

verbA1general
Use 'comprender' when 'get' means to understand information, a concept, or a question.
A simplified illustration of a person's head profile showing two brightly colored puzzle pieces perfectly interlocking inside the skull, symbolizing the moment of understanding or grasping information.

Examples

No comprendo la pregunta del profesor.

I don't understand the professor's question.

¿Comprendes lo que te estoy diciendo?

Do you understand what I am telling you?

Comprendieron la complejidad del problema después de leer el informe.

They grasped the complexity of the problem after reading the report.

Using 'Comprender' vs. 'Entender'

'Comprender' often suggests a deeper, more complete grasp of a complex topic, while 'entender' is used for general comprehension or hearing what someone says. In daily conversation, they are often interchangeable.

Confusing 'Comprender' and 'Saber'

Mistake: “Using 'Sé la lección' when you mean 'I understand the lesson.'”

Correction: Use 'Comprendo la lección.' 'Saber' means 'to know facts' or 'to know how to do something,' not 'to understand a concept.'

ve

/beh//be/

verbA1informal
Use 've' (informal command of 'ir') when 'get' is part of an idiom like 'get going' or 'get to the store'.
A small, cheerful cartoon figure running quickly and decisively along a winding path toward a brightly lit destination.

Examples

Ve a la tienda y compra leche.

Go to the store and buy milk.

Si no te sientes bien, ve al doctor.

If you don't feel well, go to the doctor.

Ve con cuidado, el piso está mojado.

Go carefully, the floor is wet.

The 'Tú' Command Form

This 've' is the special command form of 'ir' (to go) that you use with 'tú' (you, informal). Think of it as a quick, direct way to tell a friend to go somewhere.

Formal vs. Informal Commands

To tell a friend to go, you say '¡Ve!'. To tell someone you don't know well or want to show respect to, you use a different form: '¡Vaya!'.

Confusing 've' with 'ves'

Mistake: “¡Ves a la escuela!”

Correction: ¡Ve a la escuela! — To give a command to 'go', you need 've'. The word 'ves' means 'you see' and comes from a different verb.

hazte

/ahs-teh/ (H is silent)/ˈaθte/ (Spain) or /ˈaste/ (Latin America)

verbA2informal
Use 'hazte' (informal command of 'hacerse') when 'get' implies becoming something or changing into a role, like 'become a doctor'.
A brightly colored butterfly is shown emerging from a chrysalis, resting on a large green leaf, symbolizing transformation and the act of becoming.

Examples

Si quieres ayudar a la gente, ¡hazte médico!

If you want to help people, become a doctor!

Hazte a un lado, por favor, necesito pasar.

Move aside (make yourself to one side), please, I need to pass.

¡Hazte el valiente! No tengas miedo.

Be brave! (Make yourself the brave one!) Don't be afraid.

The 'Haz' Command

The base command 'haz' (do/make) is highly irregular. It comes from the verb 'hacer' (to do/make), but drops the 'ce' and adds nothing, making it one of the shortest commands.

Attached Pronouns

'Hazte' is the command 'haz' combined with the reflexive pronoun 'te' (you/yourself). In affirmative commands, this pronoun is always attached to the end of the verb.

Hacer vs. Hacerse

'Hacer' means 'to do' or 'to make'. 'Hacerse' means 'to make yourself' or, most commonly, 'to become' (often by a conscious effort or change).

Forgetting the Accent Mark

Mistake: “Hazte (when using it with another pronoun, such as 'házmelo')”

Correction: When adding pronouns to a command, if the original command is short like 'haz', you usually don't need an accent mark unless you add *two* pronouns (e.g., 'házmelo'). For 'hazte', stick to no accent.

consiga

kon-SEE-gah/konˈsi.ɣa/

verbB1general
Use 'consiga' (formal command of 'conseguir') to mean obtain or acquire something, whether concrete or abstract.
A joyful child standing on a small stool, successfully reaching up and grasping a large, shiny golden key hanging just above their head.

Examples

Necesito que usted consiga las entradas antes del viernes.

I need you (formal) to get the tickets before Friday.

Ojalá que mi hermana consiga ese ascenso.

Hopefully, my sister gets that promotion.

Consiga un permiso de la oficina central.

Obtain a permit from the central office.

Subjunctive Use

'Consiga' is the special verb form (subjunctive) used when expressing things like wishes ('Espero que...'), doubt ('Dudo que...'), or influence ('Te pido que...').

Formal Command

This form is also used to give polite, formal commands to one person ('Usted'): 'Consiga esto ahora' (Get this now).

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “Using *consegua* instead of *consiga*.”

Correction: The verb *conseguir* changes its vowel from 'e' to 'i' in the present subjunctive, so always remember the 'i' in *consiga*.

ponte

POHN-teh/ˈpon.te/

verbB1informal
Use 'ponte' (informal command of 'ponerse') to command a change in emotional state or mood, like 'get serious'.
A simple illustration showing a figure changing their disposition, moving from a sad, slumped posture to an energetic, upright, happy posture.

Examples

¡Ponte serio! Esto no es una broma.

Get serious! This is not a joke.

Siéntate y ponte cómodo.

Sit down and make yourself comfortable.

Ya es tarde. Ponte a trabajar.

It's late now. Get to work (Start working).

Ponerse + Adjective

When 'ponerse' is followed by an adjective (like 'serio' or 'triste'), it means 'to become' or 'to get' that way. It usually describes a quick, temporary change.

Ponerse a + Infinitive

The phrase 'Ponte a + a second verb' is a common structure that means 'Start doing' or 'Get down to business'.

Confusing 'ser' and 'estar'

Mistake: “Ponte estar triste (Incorrect use of infinitive)”

Correction: Ponte triste (Correct). The verb 'ponerse' already captures the meaning of 'getting into a state' so you just follow it with the adjective.

póngase

POHN-gah-seh/ˈpoŋɡase/

verbB1formal
Use 'póngase' (formal command of 'ponerse') to command a change in state or condition, like 'get comfortable'.
A character's face changing expression from neutral to a wide, joyful smile, surrounded by bright yellow light, illustrating a change in state.

Examples

Póngase cómodo, la reunión empezará pronto.

Get comfortable, the meeting will start soon.

No se preocupe, póngase tranquilo y respire.

Don't worry, become calm (get calm) and breathe.

Si tiene fiebre, póngase una toalla fría en la frente.

If you have a fever, put a cold towel on your forehead (get a cold towel on yourself).

Temporary Changes

When used with adjectives (like 'cómodo' or 'tranquilo'), 'ponerse' describes a temporary change in feeling or state, often sudden.

reciba

/re-SEE-ba//reˈsiβa/

verbB1formal
Use 'reciba' (formal command of 'recibir') for receiving something, often used in slightly more formal or polite contexts.
A child with open arms looking up hopefully as a single golden leaf falls from the sky.

Examples

Espero que ella reciba mi mensaje pronto.

I hope she receives my message soon.

Es posible que yo reciba el paquete hoy.

It is possible that I will receive the package today.

No creo que él reciba una invitación.

I don't think he will receive an invitation.

The 'Hope' and 'Doubt' Form

Use 'reciba' instead of 'recibe' when the action isn't a guaranteed fact, like after saying 'I hope' (Espero que) or 'It's possible' (Es posible que).

Shared Form

This word is identical for 'I' (yo), 'he/she' (él/ella), and 'you-formal' (usted). Use the person's name or a pronoun if the context isn't clear.

Using the wrong 'e' or 'a'

Mistake: “Espero que él recibe el dinero.”

Correction: Espero que él reciba el dinero.

saquen

SAH-ken/ˈsa.ken/

verbB1general
Use 'saquen' (command of 'sacar') specifically when referring to getting grades or results.
A smiling student proudly holding a large, shiny golden star sticker, symbolizing a successful result or good grade.

Examples

Deseo que saquen notas más altas este trimestre.

I wish that they get higher grades this term.

Ojalá que saquen el proyecto adelante a tiempo.

Hopefully, they get the project moving forward on time.

Wishes and Hopes

When you express a wish or hope about what others might achieve, you must use the 'saquen' form. For example, 'Espero que saquen un buen resultado' (I hope they get a good result).

Command Forms vs. General Verbs

Learners often confuse the imperative (command) forms like 'ponte' or 'hazte' with general verbs like 'recibir' or 'conseguir'. Remember that command forms are used when directly telling someone to do something, while general verbs describe the action itself.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.