How to Say "gets" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “gets” is “obtiene” — use 'obtiene' when referring to the act of 'getting' or obtaining something in a general sense, especially for formal or official items like permits or results..
obtiene
ohb-tee-EH-neh/oβˈtje.ne/
Examples
Ella obtiene el permiso después de llenar los formularios.
She gets the permit after filling out the forms.
El equipo obtiene la victoria con un gol de último minuto.
The team gets the victory with a last-minute goal.
¿Cómo obtiene usted tanta información?
How do you (formal) obtain so much information?
Identifying the Speaker
The form 'obtiene' is used when the person doing the action is 'he' (él), 'she' (ella), or the formal way of saying 'you' (usted). It is a present-tense action happening now or habitually.
Irregularity Pattern
The base verb 'obtener' is irregular because it follows the pattern of the highly common verb 'tener' (to have). Notice the 'o' becomes 'e' in the 'yo' form (obtengo), just like 'tengo'.
Confusing 'Obtiene' and 'Tiene'
Mistake: “Using 'obtiene' when you mean 'tiene' (has).”
Correction: 'Obtiene' means 'gets' or 'acquires,' while 'tiene' means 'already has.' They are related but not interchangeable. Correct: Él tiene un coche (He has a car). Incorrect: Él obtiene un coche (unless you mean he is currently acquiring it).
recibe
/reh-SEE-beh//reˈθiβe/
Examples
Mi hermano nunca recibe mis mensajes de texto.
My brother never gets my text messages.
¿Usted recibe muchos correos electrónicos del trabajo?
Do you (formal) receive many emails from work?
¡Recibe este regalo como un símbolo de nuestra amistad!
Receive this gift as a symbol of our friendship!
Present Tense Uses
"Recibe" is used for actions happening now, or for habits that happen regularly: 'Ella recibe visitas cada semana' (She receives visitors every week).
The 'Tú' Command
The word 'recibe' is also the informal command form ('tú'): '¡Recibe mi ayuda!' (Receive my help!). This is common for regular -er and -ir verbs.
Mixing up 'Recibir' and 'Tomar'
Mistake: “Using 'tomar' for receiving an object like a gift or package.”
Correction: 'Tomar' means to take or grab. Use 'recibir' when something is sent or given to you: 'Ella recibe el paquete' (She receives the package).
saca
SAH-kah/ˈsa.ka/
Examples
Ella saca un libro de su mochila.
She gets a book out of her backpack.
¡Saca la basura antes de que lleguen!
Take out the trash before they arrive! (Tú command)
El equipo saca el partido adelante con esfuerzo.
The team pulls the game forward with effort.
The 'Tú' Command
The form 'saca' is the simple, direct way to tell a friend or family member (tú) to 'take something out' or 'remove it.' This command form is often identical to the 'él/ella/usted' present tense form.
Spelling Change Alert!
When conjugating sacar in forms that start with 'e' (like the 'yo' preterite or the entire subjunctive), the 'c' changes to 'qu' (saqué, saque). This is just to keep the hard 'k' sound consistent.
Mixing Up 'Sacar' and 'Llevar'
Mistake: “Using 'saca' when you mean 'lleva' (to take something to a different place).”
Correction: Use 'sacar' only for removing something from an enclosed space (like a pocket or bag). Use 'llevar' for moving it from point A to point B. Example: 'Saca el libro de la caja y llévalo a la mesa.'
entiende
en-TYEN-deh/enˈtjen.de/
Examples
Ella no entiende por qué estás triste.
She doesn't get why you are sad.
¿Usted entiende cómo funciona la máquina?
Do you (formal) understand how the machine works?
El niño entiende el español pero responde en inglés.
The boy understands Spanish but responds in English.
Two Uses of 'Entiende'
'Entiende' is used for 'He/She/It understands' and 'You (formal) understand' in the present time. It is also the formal way to give a direct command: 'Understand!'
The E → IE Change
This verb is irregular because the 'e' in the middle changes to 'ie' in most present tense forms, like 'entiende' and 'entiendo'. However, 'nosotros' (we) and 'vosotros' (you plural Spain) keep the original 'e': 'entendemos'.
Missing the Stem Change
Mistake: “Using *entendemos* instead of *entiende* for 'He understands'.”
Correction: The correct form is *entiende*. Remember to change E to IE unless you are using the 'we' or 'you plural (Spain)' forms.
logra
/LO-grah//ˈlo.ɣɾa/
Examples
Ella logra todas sus metas.
She gets all her goals.
El equipo logra la victoria en el último minuto.
The team reaches victory in the last minute.
Who is 'Logra' describing?
Use 'logra' when talking about a person (he/she), a single thing (it), or when addressing someone formally as 'usted' in the present tense.
The Imperative Command
This same word 'logra' is also used to give a friendly command to someone you know well (like saying 'Achieve it!').
Success vs. Achieve
Mistake: “Using 'logra' to simply mean 'is successful'.”
Correction: Use 'tiene éxito' for general success. Use 'logra' when you want to mention a specific thing that was achieved.
Obtiene vs. Recibe
Related Translations
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