Inklingo

How to Say "obtain" in Spanish

English → Spanish

recibir

reh-see-BEER/re.siˈβiɾ/

VerbA1formal or official contexts
Use 'recibir' when you are formally or officially receiving something that is given to you or sent to you.
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.)

consiga

kon-SEE-gah/konˈsi.ɣa/

VerbB1formal acquisition
Use 'consiga' when you are actively acquiring or obtaining something, often implying effort or a request to get it.
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*.

saquen

SAH-ken/ˈsa.ken/

VerbB1a high score
Use 'saquen' specifically when referring to obtaining or achieving a certain score or grade, usually in an academic context.
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).

Choosing Between Receiving and Actively Obtaining

Learners often confuse 'recibir' and 'consiga'. Remember that 'recibir' is about passively being given something, while 'consiga' implies an active effort to obtain it. Don't use 'recibir' when you are the one making the effort to get something.

Related Translations

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