Inklingo

How to Say "got" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “got” is “recibió” — use this when someone or something received something, like a gift, a letter, or a grade..

English → Spanish

recibió

VerbA1General
Use this when someone or something received something, like a gift, a letter, or a grade.

Examples

Mi hermano recibió una beca para estudiar en Madrid.

My brother got a scholarship to study in Madrid.

consiguió

VerbA2General
Choose this when someone managed to obtain or achieve an item or goal, often after some effort.

Examples

Mi hermana consiguió el libro que quería en la tienda.

My sister got the book she wanted at the store.

sacó

VerbA2General
Use this when someone obtained or achieved a result, especially a grade on a test or a prize.

Examples

Ella estudió mucho y sacó la mejor nota de la clase.

She studied a lot and got the best grade in the class.

cogió

VerbB1Colloquial
This is a colloquial option for 'caught,' typically referring to catching public transport or catching a disease.

Examples

Llegó tarde y no cogió el tren de las diez.

He arrived late and didn't catch the ten o'clock train.

obtuvo

/ob-TOO-voh//oβˈtuβo/

VerbB1Formal
Use this when someone formally received or acquired something, like a degree, a permit, or a result.
A happy cartoon fox standing on a hill, proudly holding a single, large, shiny gold coin in its paws, illustrating the successful acquisition of an item.

Examples

Ella obtuvo la mejor nota en el examen de matemáticas.

She got the best grade on the math test.

El presidente obtuvo el apoyo de toda la comunidad.

The president obtained the support of the entire community.

Mi tío obtuvo su licencia de conducir el año pasado.

My uncle got his driver's license last year.

A Past Action, Finished

‘Obtuvo’ is used when talking about a single action that started and finished completely in the past, like getting a job or receiving a specific item.

Irregularity Alert

The base verb 'obtener' (to obtain) follows the same irregular pattern as 'tener' (to have). Notice how the 'tuv-' sound appears in the past tense forms like 'obtuve' and 'obtuvo'.

Mixing Up Past Tenses

Mistake: “Usando 'obtenía' cuando la acción terminó.”

Correction: Use 'obtuvo' for a completed past action (e.g., 'She got the key'). Use 'obtenía' only for repeated or ongoing actions in the past (e.g., 'She used to get good grades').

recibido

reh-see-BEE-doh/re.θiˈβi.ðo/

AdjectiveA1Informal
This is an informal past participle used to describe something that has been received, often passively.
A close-up illustration of one hand accepting a brightly wrapped gift package from the outstretched palm of a second hand, signifying acceptance.

Examples

El paquete fue recibido esta mañana.

The package was received this morning.

Tengo muchos correos no leídos y solo uno que ha sido recibido.

I have many unread emails and only one that has been received.

He recibido tu mensaje a tiempo.

I have received your message on time.

Dual Role: Adjective or Verb Helper

When used with the verb 'haber' (e.g., he recibido), it helps form perfect tenses and never changes its ending. When used with 'ser' or 'estar' (e.g., fue recibido), it acts like a descriptive adjective and must agree in gender and number (recibida, recibidos, recibidas).

The Fixed Form with 'Haber'

No matter who is receiving or how many things are received, when used with 'haber' (like in 'we have received'), it always stays 'recibido' (e.g., Nosotros hemos recibido).

Changing the Ending in Perfect Tenses

Mistake: “Hemos recibidas las flores.”

Correction: Hemos recibido las flores. (The participle doesn't change when used with 'haber'.)

Choosing Between 'Consiguió' and 'Obtuvo'

Learners often confuse 'consiguió' and 'obtuvo' because both mean 'obtained' or 'got.' Use 'consiguió' for items or goals achieved through effort, and 'obtuvo' for more formal acquisitions like degrees or official results.

Related Translations

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