vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Recibir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to receive", and "saludar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to say hello to". Learn more about the difference between "recibir" and "saludar" below.
recibir(
rreh
-
see
-
beer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to receive
La víctima recibió un fuerte golpe al lado de la cabeza.The victim received a strong blow to the side of the head.
Dicen que el alcalde recibió dinero de fuentes sospechosas.They say that the mayor received money from shady sources.
3. (to greet)
a. to welcome
Nos recibió personalmente en el aeropuerto.He personally welcomed us at the airport.
El equipo visitante fue recibido con silbidos y abucheos.The visiting team was received with whistles and jeers.
b. to receive
Recibieron a su hijo con los brazos abiertos cuando regresó de la guerra.They received their son with open arms when he returned from the war.
a. to receive
El empleado no recibió bien la noticia de que lo estaban despidiendo.The employee did not receive the news that he was being fired well.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to receive visitors
Disculpe, pero el ama de la casa no está recibiendo hoy.I'm sorry, but the lady of the house is not receiving visitors today.
b. to see patients
Mi doctor sólo recibe los lunes y los jueves.My doctor only sees patients on Mondays and Thursdays.
recibirse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
6. (to qualify) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. to graduate
¿Cuántos estudiantes se recibirán este año?How many students will graduate this year?
Mi hermana se recibió de ingeniera en Georgia Tech.My sister graduated as an engineer from Georgia Tech.
saludar(
sah
-
loo
-
dahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to say hello to
Vi a Sandra en la tienda ayer y la saludé.I saw Sandra at the store yesterday and said hello to her.
b. to greet
La maestra saluda a los estudiantes en la puerta.The teacher greets her students at the door.
c. to say hi to
Te vi en el centro comercial ayer, pero no me saludaste.I saw you in the mall yesterday but you didn't say hi to me.
2. (military)
3. (to gesture)
a. to wave to
La princesa saludó al pueblo desde su coche.The princess waved to the people from her car.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
4. (to gesture)
a. to wave
El presidente saludó antes de comenzar su discurso.The president waved before beginning his speech.
saludarse
A reciprocal verb is a verb that indicates that two or more subjects perform an action on each other (e.g., Ellos se abrazan.).
a. to greet one another
Se saludan cada mañana al llegar a trabajar. They greet one another every morning when they get to work.
