Inklingo

How to Say "receipt" in Spanish

English → Spanish

recibo

reh-SEE-bohreˈsiβo

nounA2general
Use 'recibo' when referring to the physical or digital proof of a purchase you have made, like a store receipt.
A small, rectangular slip of paper meant to represent a receipt, featuring faint abstract markings instead of readable text, lying on a colorful table.

Examples

¿Puede darme el recibo de esta compra?

Can you give me the receipt for this purchase?

Necesito pagar el recibo del agua antes del viernes.

I need to pay the water bill before Friday.

Guarda todos los recibos para la declaración de impuestos.

Keep all the receipts for the tax declaration.

Gender Check

Since 'recibo' ends in -o, it is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el recibo' (the receipt).

Using 'Factura' vs. 'Recibo'

Mistake: “Using 'factura' when you mean a simple store receipt.”

Correction: 'Recibo' is the general word for the proof of payment you get at a store. 'Factura' is usually a more formal, detailed invoice, often used for business expenses.

recepción

nounB1general
Use 'recepción' to indicate the act or acknowledgement of receiving something, such as a document, an email, or a package.

Examples

Confirmamos la recepción de su solicitud de beca.

We confirm the receipt of your scholarship application.

recibido

reh-see-BEE-dohre.θiˈβi.ðo

nounB1general
Use 'recibido' when you need to refer to proof of delivery or that something has been successfully received, often in a formal or logistical context.
A single, long, white piece of paper with abstract colorful marks on it, symbolizing a receipt or proof of purchase, lying on a flat surface.

Examples

Guarda el recibido como prueba de que entregaste el documento.

Keep the receipt as proof that you delivered the document.

El sistema muestra que el mensaje está en estado de recibido.

The system shows that the message is in a received state (acknowledged).

Shortened Form of Receipt

While the more common word for a store receipt is 'recibo' (noun), 'recibido' is often used in official contexts, especially when referring to the confirmation that a package or important letter has been successfully taken in.

percepción

nounC1formal
Use 'percepción' specifically for the act of receiving income, salary, or taxes, focusing on the collection or earning aspect.

Examples

La percepción de impuestos es necesaria para los servicios públicos.

The collection of taxes is necessary for public services.

Recibo vs. Recepción

Learners often confuse 'recibo' and 'recepción'. Remember, 'recibo' is typically the slip of paper or digital file proving a purchase, while 'recepción' is the act of receiving something or the place where you receive it.

Related Translations

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