Inklingo

How to Say "i obtained" in Spanish

English → Spanish

conseguí

verbA2formal acquisition
Use this when you successfully acquired something, often after some effort or difficulty.

Examples

Por fin conseguí las entradas para el concierto.

Finally, I got the tickets for the concert.

obtuve

/ob-TOO-beh//obˈtuβe/

verbA2formal or official documents/results
This is best for officially documented items, results, or formal achievements.
A happy child holding up a gold trophy with a big smile.

Examples

Obtuve mi licencia de conducir el mes pasado.

I got my driver's license last month.

Finalmente obtuve las respuestas que buscaba.

I finally obtained the answers I was looking for.

Obtuve una beca para estudiar en España.

I achieved/got a scholarship to study in Spain.

The 'Completed Past' Tense

Obtuve is the 'I' form used for actions that happened and finished at a specific time in the past (the Preterite).

Irregular 'Uve' Pattern

Just like the word 'tuve' (I had), many words related to 'tener' change their middle part to 'uv' when talking about the past.

Don't follow the 'er' rule

Mistake: “obtuví”

Correction: obtuve. Even though many 'er' verbs end in 'í' in the past (like 'comí'), this special group ends in 'e'.

logré

verbA2Formal contexts, achieving a result
Choose this to emphasize the achievement of a goal or success, especially after hard work.

Examples

Después de mucho esfuerzo, finalmente logré el ascenso.

After a lot of effort, I finally achieved the promotion.

saqué

verbA2getting a document or permit
Use this specifically when referring to getting a grade on a test or obtaining a document like a permit.

Examples

Saqué una nota excelente en el examen de español.

I got an excellent grade on the Spanish exam.

Confusing 'conseguir' and 'obtener'

Learners often confuse 'conseguí' (got/managed to get) and 'obtuve' (obtained). Remember that 'conseguí' implies effort or success in acquiring something, while 'obtuve' is typically for official items or formal results.

Related Translations

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