FundéuRAE: Proper use of 'recepcionar' explained

The FundéuRAE foundation, a collaboration between the EFE news agency and the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), has issued guidance on the proper use of the Spanish verb "recepcionar." The foundation emphasizes that "recepcionar" is not a simple synonym for "recibir" (to receive) and has distinct applications.

In administrative contexts, "recepcionar" refers to formally registering the entry of something or formally accepting the delivery of a project, such as a new health center. It is also appropriate when discussing radio or television receivers picking up transmission waves, a usage common in some countries. In sports, the verb denotes the action of receiving and controlling a ball passed by another player.

However, FundéuRAE discourages using "recepcionar" as a general equivalent for "recibir" or "atender" in common parlance. Examples provided by the foundation illustrate this distinction, showing how common journalistic phrases using "recepcionar" would be more accurately rendered with "recibir." The foundation's primary goal is to promote the correct use of Spanish in media communications.