Inklingo

How to Say "completes" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “completes” is “cumple” — use 'cumple' when someone or something fulfills a commitment, achieves a goal, or meets a requirement..

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cumple

/kúm-ple//ˈkumple/

verbA2general
Use 'cumple' when someone or something fulfills a commitment, achieves a goal, or meets a requirement.
A happy cartoon character handing a brightly wrapped present to another smiling cartoon character, symbolizing fulfilling a promise.

Examples

Ella siempre cumple con lo que promete.

She always fulfills what she promises.

Si no cumple las reglas, habrá consecuencias.

If he doesn't comply with the rules, there will be consequences.

¡Cumple tu promesa!

Fulfill your promise! (Informal command to 'tú')

Using 'con'

When talking about fulfilling promises or obligations, the verb 'cumplir' often needs the small word 'con' afterwards: 'cumplir con la ley' (comply with the law).

Using 'cumple' for 'complete' (a task)

Mistake: “Using 'cumple el trabajo' for 'completes the work'.”

Correction: While 'cumple' can mean 'complete', 'termina' (terminar) or 'acaba' (acabar) are usually more natural when referring to finishing a specific task or project.

termina

/ter-MEE-nah//teɾˈmina/

verbA1formal
Use 'termina' when something reaches its end, whether it's a period of time, a task, or an event.
A child smiling while successfully placing the final piece of a colorful jigsaw puzzle, indicating completion of the task.

Examples

Mi turno termina a las cinco en punto.

My shift finishes exactly at five o'clock.

La película termina con una gran sorpresa.

The movie ends with a big surprise.

¡Termina tu desayuno, por favor! Vamos a llegar tarde.

Finish your breakfast, please! We are going to be late.

Dual Personality: Present Tense vs. Command

This single word, 'termina,' does two different jobs: it tells you what 'he/she/it' is doing now (Present Tense) AND it is the quick command form for addressing a friend ('tú').

Regular AR Verb

The verb 'terminar' is easy! It follows the standard pattern for all '-ar' verbs, meaning you don't have to worry about unusual stem changes or spelling shifts.

Confusing formal and informal commands

Mistake: “Using 'termina' when addressing a boss or elder (Usted).”

Correction: For formal commands (Usted), the ending changes to '-e': use 'termine'. 'Termina' is only for casual commands (tú).

Fulfilling vs. Ending

Learners often confuse 'cumple' and 'termina' by using 'termina' when an obligation is met. Remember, 'cumple' is for fulfilling promises or goals, while 'termina' is for simply reaching an end point.

Related Translations

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