Using the Wrong Past Tense

Acabaron uses the simple past (preterite) tense, which means the action (finishing) started and stopped completely at a specific point in the past.

Past Tense Action

When you say 'acabaron de + [another verb]', it changes meaning to 'they had just finished' that action. Example: 'Acabaron de llegar' (They had just arrived).

Using 'acabar de'

Remember 'acabaron' can refer to a group of people (ellos/ellas) or a group of things if they are the subject (e.g., 'Los problemas acabaron' - The problems ended).

Referring to People or Things

Extremely common, used daily to talk about completing tasks or events ending in the past.

Learn the meaning and correct usage of the Spanish past tense verb 'acabaron' (they finished/ended), the preterite form of 'acabar.' Includes examples and conjugation charts.

acabaron

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations