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"Tener" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to have", and "recibir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to receive". Learn more about the difference between "tener" and "recibir" below.
tener(
teh
-
nehr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to possess)
4. (to wear)
a. to have
La chica que busco tiene lentes de sol y una bufanda.The girl I'm looking for has sunglasses and a scarf.
10. (to measure)
12. (to receive)
a. to have
Todavía no tuve el correo electrónico de confirmación de la empresa.I haven't had a confirmation email from the company yet.
15. (to think of)
16. (used to indicate duration) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Tengo dos años sin verlo.I haven't seen him for two years.
Mis abuelos tienen 40 años de casados.My grandparents have been married for 40 years.
An auxiliary verb, or helper verb, is a conjugated verb that comes before a main verb and determines the main verb's tense, mood, or aspect (e.g., I have gone.).
a. to have to
Tengo que terminar mis deberes antes de salir a la fiesta.I have to finish my homework before going to the party.
b. must
Tienes que comer todo en tu plato si quieres postre.You must eat everything on your plate if you want dessert.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Tengo pensado ir al mercado mañana.I think I'll go to the market tomorrow.
Tenemos entendido que piensas dejar la escuela.We understand that you're thinking of leaving school.
a. to make
La noticia sobre el huracán me tiene muy nervioso.The news about the hurricane is making me nervous.
tenerse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to stand
Este adorno no se tiene sin apoyarlo contra algo.This ornament won't stand without leaning it on something.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Estaba tan mareado que no me tenía de pie.I was so dizzy that I couldn't stand up.
No me tengo de sueño.I'm so tired I can barely stand.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Este muchacho se tiene por muy guapo.That kid thinks he's so attractive.
¿Por quién se tiene tu prima?Who does your cousin think she is?
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.
