Get (verb) in Spanish: Obtener or Conseguir
The Spanish verb “get” can be translated to either “obtener” or “conseguir” depending on the context.
Obtener is used when the action is completed or achieved.
Conseguir is used when the action is in progress or not yet completed.
Comparison of Obtener and Conseguir
| Feature | Obtener | Conseguir |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | To obtain, to get, to acquire | To get, to obtain, to achieve |
| Usage | Completed action | Ongoing or incomplete action |
| Example | He obtained a degree in engineering. | She is trying to get a job. |
Conjugation of Obtener and Conseguir
| Person | Tense | Obtener | Conseguir |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Present | obtengo | consigo |
| You (singular) | Present | obtienes | consigues |
| He/She/It | Present | obtiene | consigue |
| We | Present | obtenemos | conseguimos |
| You (plural) | Present | obtenéis | conseguís |
| They | Present | obtienen | consiguen |
| I | Past | obtuve | conseguí |
| You (singular) | Past | obtuviste | conseguiste |
| He/She/It | Past | obtuvo | consiguió |
| We | Past | obtuvimos | conseguimos |
| You (plural) | Past | obtuvisteis | conseguisteis |
| They | Past | obtuvieron | consiguieron |
| I | Future | obtendré | conseguiré |
| You (singular) | Future | obtendrás | conseguirás |
| He/She/It | Future | obtendrá | conseguirá |
| We | Future | obtendremos | conseguiremos |
| You (plural) | Future | obtendréis | conseguiréis |
| They | Future | obtendrán | conseguirán |
Examples of Obtener and Conseguir
- Obtuve un nuevo trabajo. (I got a new job.)
- Consiguió un ascenso. (He got a promotion.)
- Estoy obteniendo mi maestría. (I am getting my master’s degree.)
- Está consiguiendo su objetivo. (He is achieving his goal.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not use “conseguir” when the action is already completed.
- Do not use “obtener” when the action is ongoing or not yet completed.
- Do not confuse “obtener” with “conseguir” in writing or speaking.
Step-by-Step Approach to Using Obtener and Conseguir
- Determine if the action is completed or not.
- Choose the correct verb form (obtener or conseguir).
- Conjugate the verb according to the subject and tense.
- Use the verb in a sentence.
Conclusion
The verbs “obtener” and “conseguir” are both used to translate “get” in Spanish, but they have different nuances of meaning and usage. By understanding the difference between the two verbs, you can avoid common mistakes and use them correctly in your Spanish writing and speaking.