What is the difference between "recibe", "recoge" in Spanish?

The English word 'receives' has a few common Spanish translations, and choosing the right one depends on the context. While both 'recibe' and 'recoge' can mean 'receives', they are used in different situations.

How to Say "receives" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “receives” is “recibe” — use 'recibe' when someone or something is passively getting or being given something, like information, mail, or a gift..

recibe🔊A1

Use 'recibe' when someone or something is passively getting or being given something, like information, mail, or a gift.

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recoge🔊A1

Use 'recoge' when someone is actively picking up or collecting something that has been left for them, such as mail, a prize, or items from the ground.

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English → Spanish

recibe

/reh-SEE-beh//reˈθiβe/

verbA1general

Use 'recibe' when someone or something is passively getting or being given something, like information, mail, or a gift.

A smiling child receives a brightly wrapped present being handed to them by unseen hands.

Examples

El cartero recibe el paquete de la empresa.

The mail carrier receives the package from the company.

Mi hermano nunca recibe mis mensajes de texto.

My brother never receives my text messages.

¿Usted recibe muchos correos electrónicos del trabajo?

Do you (formal) receive many emails from work?

¡Recibe este regalo como un símbolo de nuestra amistad!

Receive this gift as a symbol of our friendship!

Present Tense Uses

"Recibe" is used for actions happening now, or for habits that happen regularly: 'Ella recibe visitas cada semana' (She receives visitors every week).

The 'Tú' Command

The word 'recibe' is also the informal command form ('tú'): '¡Recibe mi ayuda!' (Receive my help!). This is common for regular -er and -ir verbs.

Mixing up 'Recibir' and 'Tomar'

Mistake: “Using 'tomar' for receiving an object like a gift or package.”

Correction: 'Tomar' means to take or grab. Use 'recibir' when something is sent or given to you: 'Ella recibe el paquete' (She receives the package).

See full entry for “recibe” →

recoge

/reh-KOH-heh//reˈko.xe/

verbA1general

Use 'recoge' when someone is actively picking up or collecting something that has been left for them, such as mail, a prize, or items from the ground.

A person's hand reaching down toward the ground, about to grasp a dropped bright red toy block.

Examples

Mi hijo recoge el correo del buzón cada día.

My son picks up the mail from the mailbox every day.

Ella recoge los juguetes del suelo.

She picks up the toys from the floor.

Señora, por favor, recoge la mesa.

Madam, please, clear the table. (formal command)

¡Recoge tu mochila antes de salir!

Pick up your backpack before leaving! (informal command)

Dual Use: Present Tense vs. Command

"Recoge" is used for two purposes: describing what 'he/she/it' or 'you (formal)' does now (Present Tense), AND giving an informal command to 'you' (tú) to do something immediately.

The 'G' to 'J' Change

Notice how the 'g' in 'recoger' becomes a 'j' in the 'yo' form (recojo) and in the special forms (Subjunctive) to keep the hard 'h' sound.

Confusing informal command

Mistake: “Using 'recojas' for the affirmative informal command.”

Correction: The correct affirmative command for 'tú' is simply the third-person present tense: '¡Recoge!'. 'No recojas' is only used for negative commands.

See full entry for “recoge” →

Recibe vs. Recoge: Passive vs. Active

Learners often confuse 'recibe' and 'recoge' because both can apply to mail. Remember that 'recibe' implies simply getting or being given something, while 'recoge' means actively going to get or collect it.

Related Translations

collects→compiles→entertains→gathers→gets→hosts→obtains→picks up→

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