cumplir
/koom-PLEER/
fulfill
Cumplir when it means 'fulfill' a promise or duty.
cumplir(verb)
fulfill
?a promise or duty
,carry out
?an order or task
execute
?a contract or plan
📝 In Action
El presidente prometió cumplir sus promesas de campaña.
B1The president promised to fulfill his campaign promises.
Debemos cumplir con el contrato antes de fin de mes.
B2We must carry out the contract before the end of the month.
Si no cumples tu palabra, nadie te creerá.
B1If you don't keep your word, no one will believe you.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Con'
When 'cumplir' means 'to comply with' a rule or requirement, it is often followed by the little word 'con': 'Tienes que cumplir con las normas' (You have to comply with the rules).
⭐ Usage Tips
Action vs. Result
Think of 'cumplir' as the action of completing a full requirement, whereas 'terminar' (to finish) usually refers to ending a task.
Cumplir when referring to turning a certain age on a birthday.
cumplir(verb)
to turn (a certain age)
?age/birthday
,to celebrate a birthday
?when talking about the event itself
📝 In Action
Mi hijo cumple diez años mañana.
A1My son turns ten years old tomorrow.
¿Cuándo cumples tú?
A1When is your birthday? (Literally: When do you turn [age]?)
Ella cumplió la mayoría de edad el mes pasado.
B1She came of age (turned 18) last month.
💡 Grammar Points
Age Expression
In Spanish, we use 'cumplir' directly with the number: 'Cumplo 30' (I turn 30). You do not need to say 'años' unless you want to emphasize 'years'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using Tener
Mistake: "Mañana tengo 30 años."
Correction: Mañana cumplo 30 años. ('Tener' is for current age, 'cumplir' is for the transition/birthday.)
Cumplir meaning a wish or prediction has 'come true'.
cumplir(verb)
come true
?a wish or prediction
,be realized
?a goal or prophecy
expire
?a term limit or sentence
📝 In Action
Su sueño de viajar por el mundo finalmente se cumplió.
B2His dream of traveling the world finally came true.
La profecía se cumplirá al pie de la letra.
C1The prophecy will be realized exactly as written.
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Use
When the verb is used to mean 'come true' or 'be realized,' it must include the reflexive pronoun 'se' (cumplirse). The object (the dream, the prophecy) performs the action on itself.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cumplir
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'cumplir' to talk about age?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'cumplir' and 'terminar'?
'Terminar' simply means 'to finish' or 'to end' a task or process. 'Cumplir' means 'to fulfill' or 'to carry out' something completely, often implying a moral duty or legal requirement. You can 'terminar' a project, but you 'cumplir' a contract.
Does 'cumplir' always require 'con'?
No. When you are fulfilling a direct object (like a promise or a contract), you don't need 'con': 'Cumplí la promesa.' You usually use 'con' when you are complying *with* a rule or standard: 'Cumplí con las reglas.'