Inklingo

How to Say "they get" in Spanish

English → Spanish

reciben

/rreh-SEE-behn//reˈsiβen/

verbA1informal
Use 'reciben' when they are receiving something, like mail, gifts, or information, in a general or informal context.
Two people smiling as they are handed a large, brightly wrapped gift box.

Examples

Ellos reciben muchos correos electrónicos cada día.

They receive many emails every day.

Ustedes reciben un descuento especial hoy.

You all get a special discount today.

Who is doing the action?

The word 'reciben' always refers to a group of people. It is used for 'they' (ellos/ellas) or for 'you all' (ustedes).

Mixing up 'You' and 'They'

Mistake: “Using 'reciben' to talk to just one person.”

Correction: Use 'recibes' for one friend (tú) or 'recibe' for one formal adult (usted).

consiguen

/kon-SEE-gen//konˈsi.ɣen/

verbA2
Use 'consiguen' when they are successfully obtaining a physical object, a place, or an opportunity through effort.
Two children holding a bright red apple they have just picked from a tree.

Examples

Ellos consiguen entradas para el concierto.

They get tickets for the concert.

Si estudian mucho, ustedes consiguen mejores notas.

If you all study hard, you get better grades.

The Vowel Swap

This word comes from 'conseguir'. Notice how the 'e' in the middle changes to an 'i' when you're talking about what 'they' are doing right now.

Keeping the Sound

The 'u' in the middle is there to make sure the 'g' stays sounding hard, like 'go', instead of soft like 'h'.

Watch the 'u'

Mistake: “consigne”

Correction: consiguen. Don't forget the 'u'! Without it, the pronunciation changes completely.

sacan

/SAH-kahn//ˈsakan/

verbA2
Use 'sacan' specifically when they are obtaining a result, such as a grade on a test or a score in a game.
Two happy students holding up a paper with a large gold star on it.

Examples

Mis alumnos siempre sacan buenas notas.

My students always get good grades.

Ellos sacan muchas fotos durante el viaje.

They take a lot of photos during the trip.

Obtaining Results

In Spanish, you don't 'have' or 'make' a grade; you 'take it out' (sacar) of the exam process.

Confusing 'reciben' and 'consiguen'

Learners often confuse 'reciben' (receive) and 'consiguen' (obtain/achieve). Remember, 'reciben' is more passive, like getting mail, while 'consiguen' implies an active effort to attain something.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.