In Spanish, both acabar and terminar can express the idea of finishing, but they are not always interchangeable. Terminar is used when you complete an action or process, while acabar highlights the fact that something has ended, often leaving no room for continuation. Understanding their distinct uses will help you express “to finish” more precisely.
- Terminar is used for completing actions or processes.
- Acabar stresses that something has come to an end.
- Acabar can be followed by a noun or de + infinitive to show what was finished.
Terminar: To Complete an Action
Terminar is a regular -ar verb that means “to finish” or “to end” an action, process, or event. You use it when something reaches its conclusion.
- Use terminar when focusing on the completion of an activity.
- Commonly used with subjects like work, school, meetings, or projects.
- Can be conjugated to match the subject and tense.
Examples
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Terminamos la reunión. | We finished the meeting. |
| ¿Cuándo termina la película? | When does the movie end? |
| Ella terminará el informe. | She will finish the report. |
*terminar* is used to express finishing an action or process.
Yes, *terminar* can be used for both literal and figurative completions.
*terminar* is used with things like projects, classes, and conversations, but not for things that run out.
Acabar: To Bring Something to an End / To Run Out
Acabar means “to end” or “to run out,” and it is often used to show that something has just finished. It is typically used in two main ways:
- Acabar + de + infinitive: to express that something has just been done.
- Acabar + noun: to say that something ends or runs out (e.g., resources, time).
- Acabar expresses the finality or closure of something.
- Can indicate that something ended very recently (acabar de).
- Works both as a main verb and in expressions of time or resources running out.
Examples
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Acabamos de llegar. | We just arrived. |
| Se acabó la comida. | The food is finished/gone. |
| La película acaba a las diez. | The movie ends at ten. |
*acabar* is used when something ends, runs out, or you just did something (acabar de+infinitive).
Yes, *acabar* can be used when something is no longer available (e.g., 'Se acabó el papel').
You use 'acabar de' + infinitive to say you just finished something.
*acabar* is appropriate for things running out or ending (like supplies), and for 'just finished' situations. For finishing a report, *terminar* is better.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Terminar | Acabar |
|---|---|---|
| Core Meaning | To finish/end (a task/process) | To end/finish (emphasis on closure) |
| Typical Use | Completing an action | Bringing something to an end |
| Common Constructions | Terminar + [direct object/inf.] | Acabar + de + infinitive<br>Acabar + noun |
| Examples | Terminar el proyecto | Acabar de terminar<br>Se acabó el café |
Conclusion
Terminar focuses on finishing an action or process, while acabar emphasizes that something has ended or run out, often highlighting closure.
- Use terminar for completing things like projects, classes, or events.
- Use acabar when something ends irreversibly, resources run out, or for “just finished” (acabar de + infinitive).
You'd use *acabar* when the food is gone or if you just finished (acabar de ...). For finishing a report or presentation, *terminar* is better.
*acabar* can be used as a main verb and when resources run out.
Yes, you can say 'Terminé la comida' if you mean you finished eating, but it's more common to use 'Terminé de comer'.
*acabar* is correctly used in 'Acabamos la tarea,' 'Se acabaron los boletos,' and 'Acabo de llamar.'