cumple
“cumple” means “fulfills” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
fulfills, carries out, completes
Also: keeps, complies
📝 In Action
Ella siempre cumple con lo que promete.
A2She always fulfills what she promises.
Si no cumple las reglas, habrá consecuencias.
B1If he doesn't comply with the rules, there will be consequences.
¡Cumple tu promesa!
A2Fulfill your promise! (Informal command to 'tú')
turns
Also: celebrates a birthday
📝 In Action
Mi hermana cumple 25 años hoy.
A1My sister turns 25 today.
El próximo mes, mi perro cumple tres.
A1Next month, my dog turns three.
Dicen que el señor cumple 100 años esta semana.
B1They say the gentleman turns 100 this week.
birthday
Also: birthday party
📝 In Action
¿Cuándo es tu cumple?
A2When is your birthday?
Vamos a hacer una fiesta para el cumple de Sofía.
B1We are going to throw a party for Sofía's birthday.
¡Feliz cumple!
A1Happy birthday! (Very common short form)
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "cumple" in Spanish:
birthday→birthday party→carries out→completes→complies→fulfills→keeps→turns→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cumple
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'cumple' in its colloquial noun form?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word 'cumplir' comes from the Latin word 'complēre', meaning 'to fill up' or 'to complete'. This root explains both meanings: completing a task (fulfillment) and completing a year (turning an age).
First recorded: 13th century (as 'complir')
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'cumple' the same as 'cumpleaños'?
No. 'Cumpleaños' is the full word for 'birthday' (noun). 'Cumple' is the verb form (he/she fulfills/turns) AND a very common, informal abbreviation for 'cumpleaños'.
When should I use 'cumple con' versus just 'cumple'?
Use 'cumple con' when you mean 'comply with' or 'meet' a requirement, promise, or expectation (e.g., 'cumple con la ley'). Use just 'cumple' when talking about age ('cumple diez años') or directly completing an abstract thing ('cumple su sueño').