obtener
verbUpper-intermediate
What does “obtener” mean in English?
to obtain, to get
to obtain, to get (obtener resultados/permisos — acquire or get something, usually through effort or process)
Example sentences
Obtuvo el permiso de trabajo tras meses de espera.
She obtained the work permit after months of waiting.
El estudio obtuvo resultados sorprendentes sobre el comportamiento humano.
The study obtained surprising results about human behaviour.
Para obtener mejores condiciones, debes negociar directamente.
To obtain better terms, you must negotiate directly.
How to use it
obtener means 'to obtain', 'to get', or 'to achieve'. It follows the same irregular pattern as tener: obtengo (yo), obtuve (preterite), obtendré (future). Use it in formal or academic contexts where conseguir or sacar would be too colloquial.
Common mistake
English 'get' is too broad — obtener specifically means to gain/acquire something through effort or process. Don't use it for casual 'get' (e.g., coger/agarrar for picking something up).
Topics
Related Upper-intermediate words
Reference
This entry’s teaching guidance follows Plan Curricular del Instituto Cervantes (Instituto Cervantes), B2 Funciones 4.2.