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How to Say "to obtain" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to obtain” is “conseguir” — use this common verb when you have successfully acquired or achieved something, often after some effort..

English → Spanish

conseguir

/kon-seh-GEER//konseˈɣiɾ/

verbA2slightly more formal
Use this common verb when you have successfully acquired or achieved something, often after some effort.
A cheerful character proudly holds a large golden trophy high above their head after reaching a high spot, symbolizing obtaining something valuable through effort.

Examples

Conseguí un buen trabajo.

I got a good job.

¿Puedes conseguir leche en la tienda?

Can you get milk at the store?

Por fin conseguimos las entradas para el concierto.

We finally got the tickets for the concert.

The 'e' to 'i' Switch

In some forms, like 'yo consigo' (I get), the 'e' in the stem flips to an 'i'. This happens in many common verbs, especially those ending in '-eguir' like 'seguir'.

The 'g' sound change

Notice how in 'yo consigo', the 'gu' becomes a 'g'. This is just a spelling change to keep the 'g' sound hard before the '-o' ending.

Using 'tener' vs 'conseguir'

Mistake: “Tengo las entradas. (When you mean you went out and got them)”

Correction: Conseguí las entradas. 'Tener' means you have them now, but 'conseguir' tells the story of how you acquired them, usually with some effort.

obtener

ob-teh-NEHR/oβ.teˈneɾ/

verbB1
Use this verb when you gain something that was requested, desired, or is typically given, like a license or information.
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).

sacar

/sah-KAR//saˈkaɾ/

verbA2formal
Use this verb when you receive or achieve a specific result, particularly in academic or formal contexts like grades.
A smiling student holding up a test paper with a large, positive checkmark and star drawn on it, representing getting a good grade.

Examples

Saqué una buena nota en el examen.

I got a good grade on the exam.

Tenemos que sacar las entradas para el concierto.

We have to get the tickets for the concert.

Mi hermano sacó su licencia de conducir la semana pasada.

My brother got his driver's license last week.

alcanzar

/al-kan-SAR//al.kanˈθaɾ/

verbB1
Use this verb when the 'obtaining' involves reaching a goal, target, or desired outcome, emphasizing the achievement.
A simplified figure standing triumphantly on the summit of a snowy mountain peak, raising one hand in victory.

Examples

Ella quiere alcanzar sus sueños de ser doctora.

She wants to achieve her dreams of becoming a doctor.

La temperatura alcanzó los 40 grados hoy.

The temperature reached 40 degrees today.

Gracias a su trabajo duro, alcanzó el éxito financiero.

Thanks to his hard work, he attained financial success.

Transitive Verb Use

In this meaning, alcanzar always needs a direct object (the thing you are achieving): 'alcanzar el objetivo' (to achieve the objective).

capturar

/kap-too-RAR//kap.tuˈɾaɾ/

verbB1
Use this verb specifically when 'obtaining' refers to capturing or recording data, images, or information, especially in computing.
A simple camera pointed towards a vivid red flower, with a burst of light indicating a photograph is being taken.

Examples

Necesito capturar la pantalla para mostrarte el error.

I need to capture the screen (take a screenshot) to show you the error.

El sistema está diseñado para capturar automáticamente la información de cada usuario.

The system is designed to automatically capture the information of every user.

Using 'Tomar' for Screenshots

Mistake: “Tomar una pantalla.”

Correction: Although 'tomar' means 'to take,' in computing contexts, 'capturar la pantalla' or the noun 'pantallazo' are much more common for screenshots.

Conseguir vs. Obtener

Learners often confuse 'conseguir' and 'obtener'. 'Conseguir' implies more effort and achievement, like getting a job you applied for. 'Obtener' is more about receiving something expected or requested, like obtaining a permit.

Related Translations

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