Inklingo

How to Say "obtained" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “obtained” is “consiguió” — use this when someone successfully acquired or got something they wanted or needed, often through effort or by finding it..

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consiguió

VerbA2General
Use this when someone successfully acquired or got something they wanted or needed, often through effort or by finding it.

Examples

Mi hermana consiguió el libro que quería en la tienda.

My sister got the book she wanted at the store.

obtuvo

/ob-TOO-voh//oβˈtuβo/

VerbB1Formal
This is a more formal way to say someone acquired or obtained something, especially when it's an official status, document, or 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 obtained 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').

logró

VerbB1General
Use this when someone achieved or managed to obtain something, often implying overcoming difficulty or reaching a goal.

Examples

El científico logró la aprobación para su proyecto.

The scientist obtained approval for his project.

sacó

VerbA2General
This is commonly used when someone obtained a grade, a document, or a permit, especially after studying or completing a process.

Examples

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

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

conseguido

kon-se-GHEE-doh/kon.seˈɣi.ðo/

AdjectiveB1General
Use this as an adjective to describe something that has been achieved, acquired, or attained.
A small figure standing victoriously on the grassy peak of a mountain, having planted a small flag next to them.

Examples

El objetivo conseguido fue celebrado por todo el equipo.

The achieved goal was celebrated by the whole team.

Esa medalla fue bien merecida, pero es un éxito difícilmente conseguido.

That medal was well deserved, but it is a hard-won success (an achievement difficult to obtain).

La victoria conseguida es histórica.

The victory obtained (or achieved) is historic.

Using it as an Adjective

When 'conseguido' acts as an adjective (describing a noun), it MUST match the noun in number and gender: 'las entradas conseguidas' (the tickets obtained).

Verb vs. Adjective Usage

The most common confusion is between the verb forms (consiguió, obtuvo, logró, sacó) and the adjective 'conseguido'. Remember that 'conseguido' describes a state or result, while the others are actions performed by someone.

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