How to Say "to receive" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to receive” is “aceptar” — use 'aceptar' when you are agreeing to take something offered, like a gift, a package, or an invitation.
aceptar
ah-sep-TARaθepˈtaɾ
Examples
¿Aceptas mi ayuda con la mudanza?
Do you accept my help with the move?
Ella aceptó el trabajo inmediatamente.
She accepted the job immediately.
Nunca acepto tarjetas de crédito, solo efectivo.
I never accept credit cards, only cash.
Direct Action Verb
Aceptar is straightforward, it directly acts upon the thing being accepted. For instance, 'Yo acepto el dinero' (I accept the money).
Confusing 'Aceptar' and 'Estar de acuerdo'
Mistake: “Using 'aceptar' when agreeing with an opinion: 'Acepto con tu idea.'”
Correction: Use 'Estar de acuerdo': 'Estoy de acuerdo con tu idea.' (I agree with your idea). 'Aceptar' is usually for offers or things, not opinions.
acoger
ah-ko-HERakoˈxeɾ
Examples
La familia decidió acoger a un estudiante de intercambio.
The family decided to welcome an exchange student.
El público acogió la noticia con mucha alegría.
The public received the news with great joy.
Este centro acoge a perros abandonados.
This center takes in abandoned dogs.
The 'G' to 'J' spelling change
When 'acoger' is followed by an 'o' or 'a' sound (like in the first person 'I' form), the 'g' changes to 'j' to keep the raspy sound consistent: 'yo acojo'.
Using the reflexive form
When you use 'acogerse a', it usually means to rely on or take refuge in something official, like a law or a benefit: 'acogerse a una ley'.
Spelling 'acojo' with a 'g'
Mistake: “Yo acogo.”
Correction: Yo acojo. Remember, 'g' before 'o' sounds like the 'g' in 'go', but 'acoger' needs that raspy 'h' sound throughout its forms!
captar
kap-TARkapˈtaɾ
Examples
La antena no logra captar la señal de televisión.
The antenna can't manage to pick up the TV signal.
El micrófono captó todos los ruidos de la calle.
The microphone picked up all the noises from the street.
Esta cámara capta imágenes con mucha luz.
This camera captures images with a lot of light.
Using 'captar' with technology
When talking about electronics picking up waves or signals, always use 'captar'. It's the standard word for sensors and receivers.
Captar vs. Tomar
Mistake: “Tomar la señal.”
Correction: Captar la señal. While 'tomar' means 'to take,' 'captar' specifically describes receiving invisible signals or energy.
percibir
per-see-BEERpeɾθiˈβiɾ
Examples
Él percibe un sueldo muy alto.
He receives a very high salary.
Los jubilados perciben su pensión cada mes.
Retirees collect their pension every month.
Formal Earnings
In casual conversation, use 'ganar' or 'cobrar' for money. Use 'percibir' when writing a contract or a formal report.
Aceptar vs. Percibir
Related Translations
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