terminé
ter-mi-NÉ
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
¡Terminé mi tarea! Ahora puedo jugar.
A1I finished my homework! Now I can play.
Ayer terminé el libro que me recomendaste.
A2Yesterday I finished the book you recommended to me.
Después de tres horas, por fin terminé la mudanza.
B1After three hours, I finally finished the move.
💡 Grammar Points
The Accent Mark is Key
The accent mark on the 'e' (terminé) is essential! Without it (termine), the word means 'that I finish' or 'he/she/it finishes' in a special mood used for wishes or doubts.
One-Time Action
This verb form tells you the action of finishing was completed at a specific moment in the past. It's done and dusted.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Terminé' vs. 'Estaba Terminando'
Mistake: "Usar 'terminaba' cuando la acción terminó, como en 'Yo terminaba a las cinco.' (I was finishing at five.)"
Correction: Use 'terminé' for a definite ending time: 'Terminé a las cinco.' (I finished at five.) Use 'terminaba' only when talking about a continuous action in the past.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'de'
If you finished doing another action, always connect the verbs with 'de': 'Terminé de estudiar' (I finished studying).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: terminé
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'terminé' to mean a single, completed action in the past?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'terminé' and 'acabé'?
Both mean 'I finished.' 'Terminé' is slightly more formal and often used for projects or large tasks (I finished the presentation). 'Acabé' is very common and can also mean 'I ran out of' something (Se me acabó el café = I ran out of coffee).
Why does 'terminé' have an accent mark?
The accent mark is necessary to indicate the stress falls on the last syllable ('né'). This stress pattern is what tells you it is the 'yo' form (I) in the past tense, distinguishing it from other forms like 'termine' (which is stressed earlier).