Inklingo

How to Say "to acquire" in Spanish

English → Spanish

obtener

ob-teh-NEHR/oβ.teˈneɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'obtener' when you are coming into possession of something, especially a document, permission, or a formal status.
A smiling young person happily holding a small, closed wooden treasure chest that they just received.

Examples

Obtuve mi título universitario el año pasado.

I obtained my university degree last year.

Necesito obtener mi licencia de conducir pronto.

I need to get my driver's license soon.

Ellos obtuvieron el permiso para construir la casa.

They obtained the permit to build the house.

Obtuvimos mucha información útil del sitio web.

We got a lot of useful information from the website.

Irregularity Pattern

Even though 'obtener' ends in '-er', it acts like the verb 'tener' (to have). Its most irregular parts are the past (pretérito) and the future tense.

The 'Yo' Form Trick

In the present tense 'yo' form and the present subjunctive, it adds a 'g': obteNGo. This is a common pattern for many irregular verbs.

Confusing Conjugation

Mistake: “Using the regular '-er' past forms: *obtenió, obtenieron.”

Correction: Remember the 'u' sound for the simple past: 'obtuvo, obtuvieron'. Think of 'u' for 'I got it' (obtuve).

ganar

/gah-NAR//ɡaˈnaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'ganar' when acquiring something intangible like respect, experience, or a physical attribute such as weight or height.
A streamlined red car rapidly accelerating on a curved road, illustrating the action of gaining speed.

Examples

Ella ganó la admiración de todos con su valentía.

She gained everyone's admiration with her bravery.

He ganado un poco de peso durante las vacaciones.

I've gained a little weight during the holidays.

Con el tiempo, ganó el respeto de sus colegas.

Over time, he gained the respect of his colleagues.

El coche ganó velocidad en la autopista.

The car gained speed on the highway.

cobrar

/koh-BRAHR//koˈβɾaɾ/

verbC1figurative
Use 'cobrar' in a figurative sense, often to describe acquiring an abstract quality or emotion, like courage, momentum, or importance.
A small, previously timid figure standing tall with a look of determination, symbolizing the acquisition of strength or courage.

Examples

El equipo cobró confianza tras la victoria.

The team gained confidence after the victory.

El equipo cobró ánimo después del gol de empate.

The team gained courage/spirit after the tying goal.

El tema de la inflación está cobrando mucha importancia en la política actual.

The issue of inflation is taking on (or gaining) a lot of importance in current politics.

Figurative Use

In this meaning, 'cobrar' acts as a stand-in for 'to acquire' or 'to assume' when talking about abstract qualities like courage, importance, or life.

Confusing 'obtener' with 'ganar'

Learners often confuse 'obtener' (to get, obtain) with 'ganar' (to win, gain). Remember that 'obtener' is for tangible things or formal achievements, while 'ganar' is typically for intangible qualities or physical changes.

Related Translations

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