Recibir

As you know, the Spanish verb recibir means 'receive'. However, there are some differences worth keeping in mind.

Get

The verb receive, like other verbs that have come into English via Latin and French, is somewhat formal. In speech, we'd probably use get rather than receive in many common situations: I just got an email from my boss. However, the Spanish verb recibir is not especially formal; as such, it is a perfectly useable word in everyday situations: Recibí una llamada de un número desconocido.

Me recibió

Recibir is also the go-to verb for 'receiving' a visitor at the airport or taking someone into your home as a short- or long-term guest. As you can a see from the glosses below, receive is a possible, but overly formal, translation for recibir in such examples.

• Ella la recibe. She puts him up at her place. He's staying with her.
• Me recibió en su departamento. I'm new in town and I'm staying with him while I get settled.
• Tienes que recibirlo. You have to stay home so that you can let the cable guy in when he arrives.

Recibo cien

To avoid misunderstandings, cashiers may announce the value of any large bill you hand them in payment. Recibo cien. You've just given me a hundred-peso bill.

Recibido

When picking up a package or document, you may be asked to write RECIBIDO along with your signature. This protects the seller in case you return later, claiming you never received the merchandise.