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How to Say "reception" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “reception” is “recepción” — use this word for the front desk area in a hotel, office, or building where you check in or get information..

English → Spanish

recepción

nounA1
Use this word for the front desk area in a hotel, office, or building where you check in or get information.

Examples

¿Dónde está la recepción? Necesito registrarme.

Where is the front desk? I need to check in.

recepción

nounB1formal
This term refers to a formal party or event, such as a wedding reception or an official gathering.

Examples

La recepción de la boda fue en un castillo antiguo.

The wedding reception was in an old castle.

recepción

nounB2
Use this word to talk about the quality of a signal, like for radio, television, or mobile phone service.

Examples

La recepción de la radio es muy mala en el túnel.

The radio reception is very bad in the tunnel.

bienvenida

bee-en-veh-NEE-dah/bjenβeˈniða/

nounA1
This word specifically means a welcome or a welcoming event, often a party or gathering to greet someone.
A smiling woman standing in an open doorway with her arms wide open, warmly greeting and receiving a person who is arriving.

Examples

Organizaron una gran fiesta de bienvenida.

They organized a big welcome party.

Le dimos la bienvenida a nuestro nuevo jefe.

We gave our new boss the welcome.

La bienvenida fue tan cálida que me sentí en casa.

The welcome was so warm that I felt at home.

Always Feminine

As a noun referring to the greeting itself, 'la bienvenida' is always feminine, even if you are welcoming a man. (e.g., 'La bienvenida que recibió [él] fue buena.')

Mixing Noun and Adjective

Mistake: “Using 'bienvenido' when referring to the noun: 'El bienvenida fue genial.'”

Correction: Use the feminine noun form: 'La bienvenida fue genial.' (The welcome was great.)

Distinguishing 'recepción' from 'bienvenida'

Learners often confuse 'recepción' (for formal parties) with 'bienvenida'. Remember that 'bienvenida' specifically means a *welcome* or *greeting* event, while 'recepción' is a broader term for a formal gathering or party.

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