finalizar
“finalizar” means “to finish” in Spanish (completing a task or activity).
to finish, to end
Also: to conclude, to terminate
📝 In Action
La película finaliza a las nueve de la noche.
A1The movie ends at nine p.m.
Necesito finalizar este informe antes de la reunión.
B1I need to finish this report before the meeting.
El árbitro decidió finalizar el partido por la lluvia.
B2The referee decided to end the match because of the rain.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: finalizar
Question 1 of 3
Which of the following is the correct 'yo' form in the past (I finished)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Spanish word 'final' (end), which comes from the Latin 'finis' meaning a border, limit, or boundary.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'finalizar' always interchangeable with 'terminar'?
Almost always! However, 'terminar' is much more common in casual conversation, while 'finalizar' is better for work or formal events.
Why does the 'z' change to 'c' in some forms?
In Spanish, the letter 'z' is rarely used before 'e' or 'i'. To keep the same sound, we swap it for a 'c' whenever an 'e' follows it.
Can I use 'finalizar' to say 'I'm done'?
It's better to say 'He terminado' or 'Ya está'. Using 'He finalizado' sounds a bit like you are closing a formal ceremony!