obtener

to obtain

verb ob-teh-NEHR Common

Also means

to get

Usage Note

Obtener is conjugated exactly like tener: obtengo, obtienes, obtiene; preterite obtuve; future obtendré. It is more formal than conseguir or sacar and is preferred in written and official registers. Obtener un permiso is 'to obtain a permit'; colloquially a speaker might instead say conseguir or sacar un permiso.

Examples

"Obtuvo el primer puesto en el concurso."

Natural Translation

She obtained first place in the competition.

Related Words

Explore Spanish by topic

SpanishNow

How to Introduce Yourself in Spanish: 12 Real Phrases

Introduce yourself in Spanish with 12 ready-to-speak phrases — name, origin, age, and job — in both tú and usted, with the verb traps that trip up beginners.

June 9, 2026 5 min read

SpanishNow

How to Roll Your Rs in Spanish (Even If You Can't Yet)

Roll your Rs in Spanish by building from the butter sound you already make, then adding airflow. A step-by-step method, minimal pairs, and self-check drills.

June 3, 2026 7 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish Reflexive Verbs: Me, Te, Se Made Clear

Spanish reflexive verbs use me, te, se for actions you do to yourself. Master the daily-routine pattern, pronoun placement, and shifts like dormir vs dormirse.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

SpanishNow

Spanish False Friends That Cause Real Embarrassment

Spanish false friends like embarazada and excitado don't mean what you think. Learn the trap words, the right ones to say instead, and how to stop guessing.

June 3, 2026 6 min read