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A cartoon figure smiling as they successfully place the final piece into a large, colorful jigsaw puzzle, signaling the completion of the task.

termine

tehr-MEE-nay

Verb (Conjugated Form)B1regular ar
I finish/complete?Used for the 'yo' form in special contexts (Subjunctive),he/she/you (formal) finish/complete?Used for 'él/ella/usted' in special contexts (Subjunctive),finish!?Used for formal commands ('Usted' Imperative)
Also:I end?Subjunctive use, referring to the conclusion of an event or relationship,he/she ends?Subjunctive use, referring to the conclusion of an event or relationship

Quick Reference

infinitiveterminar
gerundterminando
past Participleterminado

📝 In Action

Quiero que mi hermano termine la tarea antes de salir.

B1

I want my brother to finish the homework before leaving.

Espero que yo termine este libro pronto.

B1

I hope that I finish this book soon.

¡Termine usted de comer, que es tarde!

A2

Finish eating, it is late! (Formal command)

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • acabe (I/he/she finish (subjunctive))
  • finalice (I/he/she finalize (subjunctive))

Antonyms

  • empiece (I/he/she begin (subjunctive))
  • comience (I/he/she start (subjunctive))

Common Collocations

  • que termine pronto – that it finishes soon
  • antes de que termine – before it ends

💡 Grammar Points

The Special 'Wish' Form

'Termine' is a special verb form (called the Present Subjunctive) used when you express desires, doubts, or emotions about someone else finishing something. You usually need the word 'que' (that) to connect the two parts: 'Espero que termine'.

Formal Commands

When you give a polite command to someone you address as 'Usted' (you formal), you use 'Termine'. For example, '¡Termine su comida!' (Finish your food!).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Subjunctive and Indicative

Mistake: "Espero que él termina el trabajo."

Correction: Espero que él termine el trabajo. (The verb changes form when expressing hope or desire.)

⭐ Usage Tips

Remember the 'Yo' form

Even though 'yo' (I) usually ends in -o (like 'termino'), in this special 'wish' form, 'yo' also uses 'termine,' just like 'él' and 'usted'.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: termine

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'termine' as a formal request?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

terminar(to finish) - verb
término(term, end, deadline) - noun
terminación(completion, ending) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'termine' and 'terminé'?

'Terminé' (with the accent) is the simple past tense for 'yo' (I finished). 'Termine' (no accent) is the special form used for wishes ('I hope I finish') or formal commands ('Finish!'). The accent makes a big difference in meaning!

Why does 'yo' use 'termine' instead of 'termino' sometimes?

'Yo termino' is used for facts (I finish every day). 'Yo termine' is used when expressing non-facts, like wishes, possibilities, or doubts, which require that special verb form (the Subjunctive).