How to Say "welcome" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “welcome” is “recibir” — use this verb to describe the action of greeting or receiving a person, often with enthusiasm.
recibir
reh-see-BEERre.siˈβiɾ
Examples
La familia me recibió con los brazos abiertos.
The family welcomed me with open arms.
El presidente recibirá a la delegación mañana.
The president will receive (host) the delegation tomorrow.
Abrimos la puerta para recibir a los clientes.
We open the door to welcome the customers.
Personal 'A'
When 'recibir' is used to welcome a specific person or group, you must use the 'personal A' directly before the name or description of the people being welcomed: 'recibir a los amigos'.
Confusing 'Host' with 'Organize'
Mistake: “Recibimos la conferencia anual en nuestro hotel.”
Correction: Albergamos la conferencia anual en nuestro hotel. ('Recibir' means hosting people, not necessarily hosting the entire organized event.)
bienvenido
byen-beh-NEE-dohbjem.beˈni.ðo
Examples
Toda ayuda financiera es bienvenida en este momento.
All financial help is welcome at this moment.
Los nuevos estudiantes se sintieron bienvendos en el campus.
The new students felt welcome on campus.
Una tregua sería una noticia muy bienvenida en la región.
A truce would be very welcome news in the region.
Use with Ser/Estar
This adjective is almost always used with the verb 'ser' (to be) when describing something that is generally accepted, or 'estar' (to be) to describe the temporary state of feeling welcomed: 'El cambio es bienvenido' (The change is welcome); 'Estoy bienvenido' (I feel welcome).
acogida
ah-ko-HEE-dahakoˈxiða
Examples
Tuvimos una acogida muy cariñosa en su casa.
We had a very affectionate welcome at their house.
La nueva película tuvo una buena acogida por parte del público.
The new movie was well-received by the audience.
Agradezco la cálida acogida que me han brindado hoy.
I appreciate the warm welcome you have given me today.
Always Feminine
The word 'acogida' is always a feminine noun (la acogida), even if you are welcoming a group of men.
Noun vs. Verb
While it comes from a verb, here it acts like a thing. It describes the 'event' or 'vibe' of being received.
Using 'el' instead of 'la'
Mistake: “El acogida fue excelente.”
Correction: La acogida fue excelente. Since it ends in 'a' and isn't one of the special exceptions, it stays feminine.
grato
GRAH-tohˈɡɾato
Examples
Fue una sorpresa muy grata volver a verte.
It was a very pleasant surprise to see you again.
Espero que tengan una estancia grata en este hotel.
I hope you have a pleasant stay in this hotel.
Guardo un grato recuerdo de mis abuelos.
I keep a fond memory of my grandparents.
Matching Gender and Number
Since this is an adjective, remember to change the ending to match what you are describing: 'un momento grato' (masculine) but 'una noticia grata' (feminine).
Placement for Emphasis
While you can put it after the noun, putting 'grato' before the noun (like 'una grata sorpresa') makes your Spanish sound more poetic or formal.
Grato vs. Gratis
Mistake: “Este café es grato.”
Correction: Este café es gratis.
Describing People
Mistake: “Yo estoy grato.”
Correction: Estoy agradecido.
venir
beh-NEE-dohbeˈni.ðo
Examples
El recién venido no conocía a nadie.
The newcomer (literally: the recently come one) didn't know anyone.
Eres bien venido a esta casa.
You are welcome in this house.
Las recién venidas están buscando el hotel.
The (female) newcomers are looking for the hotel.
Matching the Noun
When 'venido' is used like an adjective to describe something, it has to match! It changes to 'venida' for feminine things, 'venidos' for masculine plural, and 'venidas' for feminine plural.
Confusing with 'bienvenido'
Mistake: “Using 'bien venido' (two words) all the time for 'welcome'.”
Correction: The single word 'bienvenido' is much more common for 'welcome'. Use 'bien venido' (two words) when you want to emphasize 'well come' or in more formal writing. Most of the time, you'll want '¡Bienvenido!'.
reciba
re-SEE-bareˈsiβa
Examples
Espero que ella reciba mi mensaje pronto.
I hope she receives my message soon.
Es posible que yo reciba el paquete hoy.
It is possible that I will receive the package today.
No creo que él reciba una invitación.
I don't think he will receive an invitation.
The 'Hope' and 'Doubt' Form
Use 'reciba' instead of 'recibe' when the action isn't a guaranteed fact, like after saying 'I hope' (Espero que) or 'It's possible' (Es posible que).
Shared Form
This word is identical for 'I' (yo), 'he/she' (él/ella), and 'you-formal' (usted). Use the person's name or a pronoun if the context isn't clear.
Using the wrong 'e' or 'a'
Mistake: “Espero que él recibe el dinero.”
Correction: Espero que él reciba el dinero.
llegado
yeh-GAH-dohʝeˈɣaðo
Examples
El tren llegado de París está en el andén 2.
The train (that has) arrived from Paris is on platform 2.
Todos los pasajeros recién llegados deben ir a la aduana.
All newly arrived passengers must go to customs.
La carta llegada ayer contenía buenas noticias.
The letter that arrived yesterday contained good news.
Adjectives Must Match
When 'llegado' is used to describe something, it acts like any other adjective and must match the thing it describes. It can change to 'llegada' (for feminine things), 'llegados' (for plural masculine), or 'llegadas' (for plural feminine).
Forgetting to Match
Mistake: “La gente llegado de otros países...”
Correction: La gente llegada de otros países... Because 'la gente' (the people) is a feminine word, the adjective must also be feminine: 'llegada'.
Confusing 'recibir' and 'bienvenido'
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