The Present Tense of recibir is used to describe actions that are happening right now or that occur habitually. For example, Recibo un paquete de mi familia. (I receive a package from my family.)

Recibir is a regular -ir verb, which means its conjugations follow the typical pattern for verbs ending in -ir in the present tense.

Conjugations

Conjugations of Recibir (to receive) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish):

Recibir generally means to receive or get something, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

To receive: This is the most common meaning, referring to getting or accepting something that is given. For example, Yo recibo un regalo de mi abuela. (I receive a gift from my grandmother.)

To welcome: It can also mean to welcome or greet someone. For example, Nosotros recibimos a los invitados con una sonrisa. (We welcome the guests with a smile.)

To accept: In some contexts, it means to accept or agree to something. For example, Ella recibe la oferta de trabajo. (She accepts the job offer.)

To get (colloquial): In informal speech, it can mean to get or receive something, often with a negative connotation. For example, Tú recibes una paliza si no pagas. (You get a beating if you don’t pay.)

To take (rude): In vulgar slang, it can mean to take something in a forceful or aggressive way, often referring to sexual acts. For example, Él recibe a su novia a la fuerza. (He takes his girlfriend by force.) This usage is considered extremely rude and offensive.

Examples

Examples of Recibir in the Present Tense

Cada mañana recibo un correo electrónico con las noticias más recientes. (Every morning I receive an email with the latest news.)

Mis padres reciben una pensión del gobierno. (My parents receive a pension from the government.)

¿A qué hora recibes a tus clientes en la oficina? (What time do you receive your clients at the office?)

En esta familia, recibimos a los invitados con los brazos abiertos. (In this family, we receive guests with open arms.)

Cada vez que viajo, recibo un mensaje de bienvenida del hotel. (Every time I travel, I receive a welcome message from the hotel.)

Los alumnos reciben sus calificaciones al final del semestre. (The students receive their grades at the end of the semester.)

En la empresa, recibimos capacitación constante para mejorar nuestras habilidades. (At the company, we receive constant training to improve our skills.)

Cuando recibes un regalo, es de buena educación dar las gracias. (When you receive a gift, it’s good manners to give thanks.)

Los fans reciben con emoción el lanzamiento de una nueva película. (Fans excitedly receive the release of a new movie.)

En esta ciudad, los turistas reciben un mapa gratuito en el aeropuerto. (In this city, tourists receive a free map at the airport.)

Mis abuelos reciben ayuda de sus hijos para las tareas del hogar. (My grandparents receive help from their children with household chores.)

Cuando recibes un cumplido, es apropiado aceptarlo con humildad. (When you receive a compliment, it’s appropriate to accept it with humility.)

Los empleados reciben un bono anual si la empresa tiene buenos resultados. (Employees receive an annual bonus if the company performs well.)

En las fiestas, recibimos a los invitados con música y baile. (At parties, we receive guests with music and dancing.)

Cuando recibes un mensaje importante, es mejor responder de inmediato. (When you receive an important message, it’s best to respond immediately.)

Conjugations with English Translations

Conjugations of Recibir (to receive) in the Present Tense tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.