What is the difference between "recibió", "recibido", "obtuvo", "tenido" in Spanish?

The English word 'received' can translate to Spanish in several ways, depending on the context and grammatical function. Understanding these differences will help you choose the most accurate and natural-sounding translation.

How to Say "received" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “received” is “recibió” — use this when referring to the past tense action of receiving something by 'he', 'she', or 'it'..

recibióA1

Use this when referring to the past tense action of receiving something by 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

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recibido🔊A1

Use this as an adjective to describe something that has been accepted or taken in, often in passive constructions.

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obtuvo🔊B1

Use this past tense verb to describe the action of obtaining or acquiring something, often implying effort or achievement.

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tenido🔊A2

Use this past participle primarily in compound tenses (like the present perfect) to indicate having received something over time or as a result of an action.

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English → Spanish

recibió

Verb (Conjugated Form)A1General

Use this when referring to the past tense action of receiving something by 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Examples

Mi hermano recibió una beca para estudiar en Madrid.

My brother received a scholarship to study in Madrid.

recibido

reh-see-BEE-doh/re.θiˈβi.ðo/

AdjectiveA1General

Use this as an adjective to describe something that has been accepted or taken in, often in passive constructions.

A close-up illustration of one hand accepting a brightly wrapped gift package from the outstretched palm of a second hand, signifying acceptance.

Examples

El paquete fue recibido esta mañana.

The package was received this morning.

Tengo muchos correos no leídos y solo uno que ha sido recibido.

I have many unread emails and only one that has been received.

He recibido tu mensaje a tiempo.

I have received your message on time.

Dual Role: Adjective or Verb Helper

When used with the verb 'haber' (e.g., he recibido), it helps form perfect tenses and never changes its ending. When used with 'ser' or 'estar' (e.g., fue recibido), it acts like a descriptive adjective and must agree in gender and number (recibida, recibidos, recibidas).

The Fixed Form with 'Haber'

No matter who is receiving or how many things are received, when used with 'haber' (like in 'we have received'), it always stays 'recibido' (e.g., Nosotros hemos recibido).

Changing the Ending in Perfect Tenses

Mistake: “Hemos recibidas las flores.”

Correction: Hemos recibido las flores. (The participle doesn't change when used with 'haber'.)

See full entry for “recibido” →

obtuvo

/ob-TOO-voh//oβˈtuβo/

VerbB1General

Use this past tense verb to describe the action of obtaining or acquiring something, often implying effort or achievement.

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 got 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').

See full entry for “obtuvo” →

tenido

/teh-NEE-doh//teˈni.ðo/

Verb (Past Participle)A2General

Use this past participle primarily in compound tenses (like the present perfect) to indicate having received something over time or as a result of an action.

A smiling cartoon character holding a bright red balloon on a string, illustrating the simple act of having or possessing something in the past.

Examples

Hemos tenido noticias de ellos.

We have received news from them.

He tenido un día muy ocupado.

I have had a very busy day.

¿Alguna vez has tenido un perro?

Have you ever had a dog?

No habíamos tenido la oportunidad de hablar.

We hadn't had the chance to talk.

Building 'Have Done' Sentences

Use tenido with a form of the helper verb haber (like 'he', 'has', 'ha') to talk about things that 'have happened'. For example, he tenido means 'I have had'. Think of haber + tenido as a two-word team.

Using 'ser/estar' instead of 'haber'

Mistake: “Estoy tenido un problema.”

Correction: He tenido un problema. (I have had a problem). To say you 'have had' something, you must use the helper verb `haber`, not `ser` or `estar`.

See full entry for “tenido” →

Choosing between 'recibió' and 'obtuvo'

Learners often confuse 'recibió' (received) with 'obtuvo' (obtained/got). Remember that 'recibió' is for the simple act of receiving something, while 'obtuvo' implies acquiring or achieving something, often with more effort.

Related Translations

got→considered→gotten→had→held as→obtained→receipt→regarded as→

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