Inklingo

How to Say "to obtain" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to obtain” is “conseguir” — use this for generally getting or achieving something, often implying effort or a positive outcome, like a job or a desired item.

conseguir🔊A2

Use this for generally getting or achieving something, often implying effort or a positive outcome, like a job or a desired item.

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obtener🔊B1

This is a direct translation for gaining something, especially when it's requested, desired, or officially given, like a license or information.

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sacar🔊A2

Use this when obtaining something as a result of an action, particularly in academic or competitive contexts like grades or prizes.

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alcanzar🔊B1

This implies reaching or achieving a goal, a dream, or a desired level, often with a sense of effort and aspiration.

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capturar🔊B1

Use this specifically for acquiring or recording information, data, or images, most commonly in a digital or technical context.

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procurar🔊C1

This means to make an effort to get or obtain something, often implying a process of gathering or securing necessary items.

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English → Spanish

conseguir

kon-seh-GEERkonseˈɣiɾ

verbA2
Use this for generally getting or achieving something, often implying effort or a positive outcome, like a job or a desired item.
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-NEHRoβ.teˈneɾ

verbB1
This is a direct translation for gaining something, especially when it's requested, desired, or officially 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-KARsaˈkaɾ

verbA2
Use this when obtaining something as a result of an action, particularly in academic or competitive contexts like grades or prizes.
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-SARal.kanˈθaɾ

verbB1
This implies reaching or achieving a goal, a dream, or a desired level, often with a sense of effort and aspiration.
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-RARkap.tuˈɾaɾ

verbB1
Use this specifically for acquiring or recording information, data, or images, most commonly in a digital or technical context.
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.

procurar

pro-koo-RARpɾokuˈɾaɾ

verbC1formal
This means to make an effort to get or obtain something, often implying a process of gathering or securing necessary items.
A person holding a fresh basket of apples they have just gathered.

Examples

El abogado procuró las pruebas necesarias para el juicio.

The lawyer obtained the necessary evidence for the trial.

La empresa procura materias primas de alta calidad.

The company procures high-quality raw materials.

Se procuró un buen sitio para ver el desfile.

He got himself a good spot to watch the parade.

Reflexive for 'Getting for oneself'

When you use 'procurarse' (adding -se at the end), it means you are obtaining something for your own benefit.

Confusing with 'Prosecute'

Mistake: “El policía procuró al ladrón.”

Correction: El policía persiguió al ladrón. Although 'procurador' means prosecutor, the verb 'procurar' itself doesn't mean to prosecute in court.

Conseguir vs. Obtener

Learners often confuse 'conseguir' and 'obtener'. 'Conseguir' is more general for achieving or getting something, while 'obtener' is more specific to receiving or acquiring something officially or as a result of a request.

Related Translations

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