Meaning
To be given a present.
Cultural Background
It is considered polite to open a gift immediately when you receive it in front of the giver, unless instructed otherwise. Gift-giving is very similar to France, but during the holidays, 'l'échange de cadeaux' (gift exchange) is a very popular social event. Receiving a gift often involves a more communal celebration, and the 'merci' is often accompanied by a blessing or a wish for the giver's prosperity.
The Cedilla Rule
Always use 'ç' in 'reçois' and 'reçu' to keep the 's' sound. Without it, it would sound like 're-kwa'.
Saying Thanks
Always follow 'recevoir un cadeau' with 'C'est très gentil de votre part' (That's very kind of you).
Meaning
To be given a present.
The Cedilla Rule
Always use 'ç' in 'reçois' and 'reçu' to keep the 's' sound. Without it, it would sound like 're-kwa'.
Saying Thanks
Always follow 'recevoir un cadeau' with 'C'est très gentil de votre part' (That's very kind of you).
Test Yourself
Conjugate the verb 'recevoir' in the present tense.
Aujourd'hui, je _______ un cadeau.
The first person singular 'je' takes 'reçois'.
Which sentence is in the past tense?
Select the correct past tense form.
'J'ai reçu' is the passé composé.
Match the French phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
Recevoir means to receive.
Where would you most likely hear this phrase?
Situation: It is December 25th.
Christmas is the primary time for receiving gifts.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Give vs Receive
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAujourd'hui, je _______ un cadeau.
The first person singular 'je' takes 'reçois'.
Select the correct past tense form.
'J'ai reçu' is the passé composé.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Recevoir means to receive.
Situation: It is December 25th.
Christmas is the primary time for receiving gifts.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, it's very common in informal speech, like 'J'ai eu un cadeau'.
'Cadeau' is the everyday word. 'Présent' is formal and slightly old-fashioned.
Use 'de la part de': 'J'ai reçu un cadeau de sa part'.
Yes! 'Recevoir un mail' is the standard way to say you got an email.
Yes, usually 'un' (a) or 'des' (some/plural).
It is always 'reçu'. 'Recevu' does not exist.
Related Phrases
Offrir un cadeau
contrastTo give a gift
Un cadeau empoisonné
specialized formA poisoned gift
Faire un cadeau
similarTo give/make a gift
