acabas
/ah-CAH-bahs/
you finish
This image shows someone completing a task, illustrating the meaning of acabas as 'you finish.'
acabas(verb)
you finish
?completing a task or action
,you end
?bringing something to a close
you use up
?when talking about resources or supplies (often with 'con')
📝 In Action
¿A qué hora acabas tu clase de español hoy?
A1What time do you finish your Spanish class today?
Si acabas con todo el pan, tenemos que ir a comprar más.
A2If you finish all the bread, we have to go buy more.
Siempre acabas lo que empiezas, lo cual es admirable.
B1You always finish what you start, which is admirable.
💡 Grammar Points
Verb Usage
"Acabas" is the 'tú' (casual 'you') form of the present tense, used for actions happening now or habits.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'acabar' and 'terminar'
Mistake: "Using 'acabar' reflexively when 'terminar' is better."
Correction: Both mean 'to finish', but 'acabar' can sometimes feel more final or definitive, though they are often interchangeable.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Acabar con'
When followed by 'con' (with), it usually means 'to use up' or 'to get rid of': 'Acabas con toda la comida' (You finish/use up all the food).
When acabas means 'you have just (done something),' it refers to an action that ended moments ago, like having just watered the plants.
acabas(verb)
you have just (done something)
?expressing an action completed immediately before now
📝 In Action
¿Acabas de despertarte? ¡Son las diez!
A2Have you just woken up? It's ten o'clock!
No puedes comer el pastel, acabas de cenar.
A2You can't eat the cake, you have just had dinner.
Llegamos tarde, porque acabas de perder el autobús.
B1We're late because you just missed the bus.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Immediate Past' Structure
To say that an action happened a moment ago, Spanish uses the structure: 'acabar' (conjugated) + 'de' + the main verb in its base form (infinitive).
English Equivalent
This phrase translates directly to the English 'to have just done something' (e.g., 'acabas de ver' = 'you have just seen').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Dropping 'de'
Mistake: "Using 'acabas llegar' (incorrect)"
Correction: Always include the preposition 'de': 'acabas de llegar'. This links the idea of 'finishing' to the next action.
⭐ Usage Tips
Time Flexibility
While it usually means 'just now,' this structure can sometimes refer to something completed earlier today or very recently, depending on context.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: acabas
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'acabas' to express that an action happened moments ago?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'acabas' and 'terminas'?
Both mean 'you finish' and are often interchangeable. 'Terminas' (from 'terminar') might be slightly more formal in some regions, but for everyday use, you can use 'acabas' without worry.
How do I say 'I just finished' using this verb?
You would use the 'yo' form of the verb: 'Yo acabo de terminar' (I just finished).