Forgetting the Accent

'Acabó' vs. 'Acababa'

'Acabó' is used for actions that were finished at a specific point in the past. That little accent on the 'ó' is key—it moves the action from the present to the past.

Talking About a Completed Past

Extremely common. One of the first ways you'll learn to talk about finishing something.

When you see 'se' before 'acabó', it often means something ran out by itself. 'Se acabó el pan' means 'The bread ran out,' not that a specific person actively finished it.

The Little Word 'Se'

Saying '¡Se acabó!' by itself is a strong way to end a discussion or declare that something is completely finished.

A Powerful Phrase

Very common, especially in the phrase 'se acabó' to say something is all gone.

Use 'acabó' followed by a verb in its '-ando' or '-iendo' form (like 'ganando') to explain how a situation finally concluded.

Showing the Final Result

Common in storytelling and describing the final outcome of a situation.

Learn the full meaning of 'acabó' in Spanish. See examples for 'it finished,' 'it ran out,' and 'it ended up.' Includes full conjugation tables for 'acabar,' usage tips, and common mistakes.

acabó

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations