How to Say "receive" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “receive” is “recibir” — use 'recibir' when the meaning is to take physical possession of something or to be the recipient of something, like a package or a message..
recibir
reh-see-BEER/re.siˈβiɾ/
Examples
Recibí un regalo por mi cumpleaños.
I received a gift for my birthday.
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.)
reciba
/re-SEE-ba//reˈsiβa/
Examples
Espero que reciba la información a tiempo.
I hope she receives the information on time.
Espero que ella reciba mi mensaje pronto.
I hope she receives my message soon.
Es posible que yo reciba el paquete hoy.
It is possible that I will receive the package today.
No creo que él reciba una invitación.
I don't think he will receive an invitation.
The 'Hope' and 'Doubt' Form
Use 'reciba' instead of 'recibe' when the action isn't a guaranteed fact, like after saying 'I hope' (Espero que) or 'It's possible' (Es posible que).
Shared Form
This word is identical for 'I' (yo), 'he/she' (él/ella), and 'you-formal' (usted). Use the person's name or a pronoun if the context isn't clear.
Using the wrong 'e' or 'a'
Mistake: “Espero que él recibe el dinero.”
Correction: Espero que él reciba el dinero.
tomen
TOH-men/ˈtomen/
Examples
Tomen asiento, por favor.
Take a seat, please.
¡Tomen un asiento y esperen al doctor!
Take a seat and wait for the doctor!
Espero que los niños tomen la decisión correcta.
I hope the children make (take) the correct decision.
El jefe necesita que ustedes tomen más responsabilidades.
The boss needs you (plural, formal) to take more responsibilities.
Formal Plural Command
This form is the polite way to give a command to a group of people ('ustedes'). Think of it as saying, 'You all, please take...'
The 'Wish' Form (Subjunctive)
When used after verbs of desire or doubt (like 'esperar que' or 'querer que'), 'tomen' expresses what you want or need them to do: 'Quiero que ellos tomen el libro.'
Mixing Command Forms
Mistake: “Using 'toman' (the normal present tense) for a command to 'ustedes'.”
Correction: The command form for 'ustedes' always changes the 'a' to 'e': use '¡Tomen!'
Subjunctive vs. Indicative for 'Receive'
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