acabe
ah-KAH-beh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Espero que acabe la reunión pronto.
A2I hope that the meeting finishes soon.
Acabe el informe antes de salir, por favor.
B1Finish the report before leaving, please. (Formal command)
No quiero que acabe la película.
B1I don't want the movie to end.
Aunque acabe cansado, lo haré.
B2Even if I end up tired, I will do it.
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive Trigger
Use 'acabe' (the special verb form) after expressions of desire, doubt, emotion, or necessity, often introduced by 'que' (that). Example: 'Dudo que acabe a tiempo' (I doubt that it finishes on time).
Formal Commands
'Acabe' is the formal way to tell someone (usted) to finish something. It's the opposite of the informal command, '¡Acaba!'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Indicative vs. Subjunctive
Mistake: "Quiero que acaba el juego."
Correction: Quiero que acabe el juego. (You must use the special form 'acabe' because the first part of the sentence expresses a wish or desire.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Remember the 'E'
Since 'acabar' is an -AR verb, its special forms (like 'acabe') always use the letter 'e' at the end, which is a great clue that you are using the subjunctive mood.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: acabe
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'acabe' as a formal command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'acabe' ever used to mean something other than 'finish'?
Yes! When used with the preposition 'de' (acabar de), it means 'to have just finished' doing something. For example, 'Acabo de comer' means 'I just ate.' However, the form 'acabe' is rarely used in this specific 'acabar de' structure.
Why does 'acabe' sound like 'cabe' (from caber)?
They sound identical! 'Acabe' is related to finishing, while 'cabe' is the special verb form for 'caber' (to fit), usually meaning 'it fits' or 'that it fits.' You must use context to know which one is being used.