Meaning
To have guests come to one's home or workplace.
Cultural Background
In Spain, receiving visits often involves the 'aperitivo' if it's before lunch, or 'café y pastas' in the afternoon. It is considered rude not to offer at least a glass of water immediately. Mexican hospitality is legendary. Receiving visits often means the host will insist you stay for a full meal, even if you just dropped by for a minute. The phrase 'esta es tu casa' is taken literally. Receiving visits usually centers around 'el mate'. If you receive someone, the first thing you do is put the kettle on (poner la pava). It's a very informal and constant social activity. In Colombia, 'recibir visitas' is often associated with 'atender' (serving). A good host is someone who 'atiende muy bien a las visitas', offering coffee (tinto) and local snacks like arepas.
The 'Tener' Shortcut
If 'recibir' feels too formal, just use 'tener'. 'Tengo visitas' is the most common way to say 'I have guests over' in daily life.
Watch the 'A'
If you name the specific people, you need the 'personal a': 'Recibo a mis padres'. If you just say 'visitas', you don't need it: 'Recibo visitas'.
Meaning
To have guests come to one's home or workplace.
The 'Tener' Shortcut
If 'recibir' feels too formal, just use 'tener'. 'Tengo visitas' is the most common way to say 'I have guests over' in daily life.
Watch the 'A'
If you name the specific people, you need the 'personal a': 'Recibo a mis padres'. If you just say 'visitas', you don't need it: 'Recibo visitas'.
The Unannounced Visit
In many Hispanic cultures, receiving visits without a prior call is still common in small towns, though disappearing in big cities. Be prepared!
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'recibir visitas'.
El próximo domingo mi familia y yo __________ en nuestra nueva casa.
The context implies a future plan ('el próximo domingo') for the family as hosts.
Which sentence is correct if you are the host?
Choose the correct option:
'Recibir visitas de' is the correct idiomatic structure.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: ¿Quieres ir al parque esta tarde? B: No puedo, __________ de mi jefe para hablar del proyecto.
The person cannot go because they are hosting their boss.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: A hospital sign explaining when people can come.
This is the standard formal way to indicate visiting hours.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Recibir vs. Visitar
Practice Bank
4 exercisesEl próximo domingo mi familia y yo __________ en nuestra nueva casa.
The context implies a future plan ('el próximo domingo') for the family as hosts.
Choose the correct option:
'Recibir visitas de' is the correct idiomatic structure.
A: ¿Quieres ir al parque esta tarde? B: No puedo, __________ de mi jefe para hablar del proyecto.
The person cannot go because they are hosting their boss.
Situation: A hospital sign explaining when people can come.
This is the standard formal way to indicate visiting hours.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsNo, it is also used in offices, hospitals, and museums to describe welcoming outsiders into a space.
Yes, but 'invitados' implies they were specifically invited. 'Visitas' is more general and includes unexpected guests.
It's an idiomatic collective. Even if one person comes, we often say 'tengo visitas' to describe the state of hosting.
It is neutral. It's perfectly fine for both a casual text and a formal report.
'Hospedar' specifically means the guests are sleeping at your house for one or more nights.
You can say 'No estoy para recibir visitas' or 'No estoy para nadie'.
In this phrase, 'visitas' refers to the people (the guests).
No, 'recibir visitas' is a general collocation. You only use 'a' for specific people: 'Recibir a Juan'.
It's an idiom for a very short visit, like a doctor who is in a hurry.
Yes, 'El gerente está recibiendo visitas' is a standard way to say he is in a meeting with clients.
Yes, it is universally understood and used from Spain to Argentina.
There isn't a direct single-word opposite, but 'estar solo' or 'no ver a nadie' would be the state of not having guests.
Related Phrases
hacer una visita
similarTo pay a visit
ser un buen anfitrión
builds onTo be a good host
quedarse a dormir
specialized formTo stay overnight
puertas abiertas
similarOpen house
visita de cortesía
specialized formCourtesy call
