How to Say "welcoming" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “welcoming” is “acogedor” — use 'acogedor' to describe a place, atmosphere, or even a person that feels warm, cozy, and inviting.
acogedor
ah-ko-heh-dorakoɣeˈðoɾ
Examples
Tu casa es muy acogedora.
Your house is very cozy.
Buscamos un café acogedor para leer un libro.
We are looking for a cozy cafe to read a book.
La gente en este pueblo es muy acogedora.
The people in this town are very welcoming.
Adding an 'a' for feminine
Even though this word ends in a consonant, you must add an 'a' to make it feminine: 'un sitio acogedor' but 'una casa acogedora'.
Making it plural
To talk about more than one thing, add '-es' for masculine (acogedores) or just an 's' for feminine (acogedoras).
Don't forget the 'a'
Mistake: “La habitación es acogedor.”
Correction: La habitación es acogedora. Since 'habitación' is feminine, the description must end in 'a'.
hospitalario
os-pee-tah-LAH-ryohospitaˈlaɾjo
Examples
Mis tíos son muy hospitalarios y siempre nos invitan a cenar.
My aunt and uncle are very hospitable and always invite us for dinner.
Este pueblo es famoso por ser hospitalario con los turistas.
This town is famous for being welcoming to tourists.
Recibimos un trato hospitalario durante toda nuestra estancia.
We received hospitable treatment throughout our entire stay.
Gender and Number Agreement
This word changes its ending to match the person or thing it describes. Use 'hospitalario' for a man, 'hospitalaria' for a woman, and add an 's' for groups (hospitalarios/hospitalarias).
Using 'Ser' vs 'Estar'
We almost always use this word with 'ser' because being hospitable is considered a personality trait or a permanent characteristic of a place.
Forgetting the 'H' is silent
Mistake: “Pronouncing the 'H' like an English 'H'.”
Correction: In Spanish, the 'H' is always silent. Start the sound directly with the 'o'.
recibiendo
reh-see-BYEN-dohre.siˈβjen.do
Examples
Estamos recibiendo mucha ayuda de la comunidad.
We are receiving a lot of help from the community.
Mi hermano está recibiendo clases de guitarra esta semana.
My brother is taking (receiving) guitar lessons this week.
El jefe sigue recibiendo llamadas a pesar de ser tarde.
The boss keeps taking calls even though it's late.
The Continuous Action
'Recibiendo' is the 'doing' form of 'recibir.' It is always used with the verb 'estar' (to be) to show an action is ongoing: 'Estoy recibiendo' (I am receiving).
Making it Continuous
For verbs ending in -IR or -ER, the continuous form ends in -IENDO. Since 'recibir' ends in -IR, it follows this easy pattern.
Forgetting 'Estar'
Mistake: “Yo recibiendo el correo.”
Correction: Yo estoy recibiendo el correo. Remember, you need a form of 'estar' to hold the continuous action together.
Acogedor vs. Hospitalario
Related Translations
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