recibir

/reθiˈβiɾ/
verbBeginner
general

To take something that is given, sent, or delivered to you.

Recibí una carta de mi amigo.

I received a letter from my friend.

El equipo recibió el premio.

The team received the award.

💡

Commonly used with direct objects like 'un regalo' (a gift), 'una noticia' (news), or 'una visita' (a visit).

general

To accept or admit something, such as an idea or a person.

No recibimos quejas de los clientes.

We do not accept complaints from customers.

El país recibió a los refugiados.

The country received the refugees.

💡

Often used in formal or administrative contexts.

Collocations

recibir una llamadato receive a callrecibir un mensajeto receive a messagerecibir una visitato receive a visit

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

recibir con los brazos abiertosidiom
to welcome warmly
recibir una sorpresaphrase
to get a surprise

💡Pro Tip

Common Usage

'Recibir' is often used with the preposition 'de' when indicating the source of what is received, e.g., 'recibir de alguien' (to receive from someone).

Gold Rule

Formal vs. Informal

In formal contexts, 'recibir' is often used to describe official or administrative acts of receiving, while in informal contexts, it can describe everyday actions like receiving a gift or a call.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'recipere', meaning 'to take back' or 'to receive'.

📝Usage Notes

In formal contexts, 'recibir' can imply a formal or official act of receiving, such as in legal or administrative settings.

Word Breakdown

re-
back
prefix
+
-cibir
to take
root
Diccionario Español-Inglés