Inklingo

How to Say "receipt" in Spanish

English → Spanish

recibo

reh-SEE-boh/reˈsiβo/

nounA2general
Use 'recibo' when referring to the proof of purchase for an item or service you have bought.
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

¿Me das el recibo, por favor?

Can you give me the receipt, please?

¿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

nounB1formal
Use 'recepción' to talk about the act of receiving something, like an email, a package, or a request, often implying acknowledgement.

Examples

La recepción de su pago se confirmó ayer.

The receipt of your payment was confirmed yesterday.

recibido

reh-see-BEE-doh/re.θiˈβi.ðo/

nounB1formal
Use 'recibido' when you need to show proof that something has been delivered or handed over, like a signed document.
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

Firme aquí para indicar el recibido del paquete.

Sign here to indicate receipt of the package.

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.

Recibo vs. Recepción

Learners often confuse 'recibo' (proof of purchase) and 'recepción' (the act of receiving). Remember, if you're talking about the slip of paper from a store, use 'recibo'. If you're talking about the act of getting something, use 'recepción'.

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