Inklingo

How to Say "to acquire" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to acquire” is “obtener” — use 'obtener' when you are coming into possession of something, especially when it requires some effort or a formal process, like getting a document or a permit.

obtener🔊B1

Use 'obtener' when you are coming into possession of something, especially when it requires some effort or a formal process, like getting a document or a permit.

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adquirir🔊B1

Use 'adquirir' for gaining ownership of something, like buying property, or for developing a skill or habit through learning or practice.

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ganar🔊B1

Use 'ganar' when acquiring something abstract like knowledge, respect, or a physical attribute like weight, often implying a positive outcome or effort.

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contraer🔊B2

Use 'contraer' specifically for acquiring something negative, such as a disease, a debt, or a bad habit, implying an unwanted acquisition.

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cobrar🔊C1

Use 'cobrar' in a figurative sense to mean 'to gain' or 'to take on' a quality or emotion, like courage or importance, often used with abstract nouns.

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English → Spanish

obtener

ob-teh-NEHRoβ.teˈneɾ

verbB1
Use 'obtener' when you are coming into possession of something, especially when it requires some effort or a formal process, like getting a document or a permit.
A smiling young person happily holding a small, closed wooden treasure chest that they just received.

Examples

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).

adquirir

ad-kee-REERaðkiˈɾiɾ

verbB1
Use 'adquirir' for gaining ownership of something, like buying property, or for developing a skill or habit through learning or practice.
A child happily receiving a shiny new bicycle as a gift.

Examples

Quiero adquirir una nueva casa cerca del mar.

I want to acquire (buy) a new house near the sea.

Ella ha adquirido mucha experiencia en este trabajo.

She has gained a lot of experience in this job.

Es importante adquirir buenos hábitos desde joven.

It is important to acquire (pick up) good habits from a young age.

The 'i' to 'ie' Vowel Change

In many forms, the 'i' in the middle of 'adquirir' changes to 'ie' when you stress that part of the word (e.g., 'yo adquiero'). This only happens in the present tense and commands.

A More Formal 'Comprar'

While 'comprar' is for everyday items like milk or bread, 'adquirir' is used for more significant things like property, businesses, or intellectual rights.

Forgot the vowel change

Mistake: “Yo adquiro una casa.”

Correction: Yo adquiero una casa. (Remember, the 'i' needs to split into 'ie' when it's the main beat of the word!)

ganar

gah-NARɡaˈnaɾ

verbB1
Use 'ganar' when acquiring something abstract like knowledge, respect, or a physical attribute like weight, often implying a positive outcome or effort.
A streamlined red car rapidly accelerating on a curved road, illustrating the action of gaining speed.

Examples

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.

contraer

kon-tra-EHRkon.tɾaˈeɾ

verbB2
Use 'contraer' specifically for acquiring something negative, such as a disease, a debt, or a bad habit, implying an unwanted acquisition.
A person looking at a very large, heavy stack of red papers on a wooden desk.

Examples

Él contrajo una enfermedad tropical durante el viaje.

He caught a tropical disease during the trip.

La empresa contrajo grandes deudas el año pasado.

The company incurred large debts last year.

Es peligroso contraer nuevas obligaciones sin capital.

It is dangerous to take on new obligations without capital.

Formal Acquire

While you can use 'tener' for a debt, 'contraer' is the professional way to say you've officially taken it on.

Not for 'Contracts'

Mistake: “Voy a contraer un contrato de trabajo.”

Correction: Voy a firmar un contrato. (Use 'firmar' for physical documents; 'contraer' is for the responsibility itself.)

cobrar

koh-BRAHRkoˈβɾaɾ

verbC1figurative
Use 'cobrar' in a figurative sense to mean 'to gain' or 'to take on' a quality or emotion, like courage or importance, often used with abstract nouns.
A small, previously timid figure standing tall with a look of determination, symbolizing the acquisition of strength or courage.

Examples

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.

Choosing between 'obtener' and 'adquirir'

Learners often confuse 'obtener' and 'adquirir'. Remember that 'obtener' is more general for receiving something, especially if it involves a process, while 'adquirir' implies gaining ownership or developing a skill through sustained effort.

Related Translations

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