How to Say "done" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “done” is “hecha” — use 'hecha' (or 'hecho' depending on gender) when referring to a task, job, or action that has been completed.
hecha
AY-chahˈe.tʃa
Examples
La tarea está hecha, por fin puedo descansar.
The homework is done; I can finally rest.
¿La comida ya está hecha? ¡Tengo mucha hambre!
Is the food ready yet? I'm very hungry!
Feminine Agreement
As the feminine singular form, 'hecha' must agree with a feminine singular noun, like 'la casa' or 'la cena'.
Ser vs. Estar
When used to mean 'finished' or 'ready', 'hecha' almost always pairs with 'estar' because it describes the temporary state or result of an action.
Using the Masculine Form
Mistake: “La mesa está hecho.”
Correction: La mesa está hecha. (Because 'mesa' is feminine, the participle must be too.)
listo
lees-tohˈlisto
Examples
La cena está casi lista.
Dinner is almost ready.
¿Estás listo para salir?
Are you ready to go out?
¡He terminado! ¡Listo!
I've finished! Done!
Always Use with 'Estar'
To say that someone or something is ready, you must use the verb 'estar'. Think of 'ready' as a temporary state, and 'estar' is the verb for states and conditions. For example, 'Estoy listo' (I am ready).
Matching Gender and Number
Like most adjectives, 'listo' changes to match the person or thing it describes. Use 'lista' for feminine singular (la cena está lista), 'listos' for masculine plural (estamos listos), and 'listas' for feminine plural (las maletas están listas).
Using 'Ser' Instead of 'Estar'
Mistake: “Soy listo para el examen.”
Correction: Estoy listo para el examen. Using 'ser' changes the meaning completely to 'I am a smart person for the exam,' which doesn't make sense. For the state of being 'ready,' always use 'estar'.
cocinado
ko-see-NAH-dohkosiˈnaðo
Examples
El pollo ya está bien cocinado.
The chicken is already well cooked.
Prefiero los vegetales poco cocinados.
I prefer lightly cooked vegetables.
La carne no parecía estar totalmente cocinada.
The meat didn't seem to be fully cooked.
Matching the Noun
As an adjective, this word must change to match what you are talking about. Use 'cocinado' for masculine things (el arroz) and 'cocinada' for feminine things (la carne).
Using with 'Estar'
Use the word 'estar' (to be) when describing food that is currently in a cooked state, like 'está cocinado'.
Gender Agreement Error
Mistake: “La pasta está cocinado.”
Correction: La pasta está cocinada. Since 'pasta' is a feminine word, 'cocinado' must change to 'cocinada' to match it.
terminado
ter-mee-NAH-dohteɾ.miˈna.ðo
Examples
El trabajo ya está terminado.
The work is already finished.
Cuando llegué, la película ya había terminado.
When I arrived, the movie was already over.
Por fin, la casa está terminada.
Finally, the house is completed.
Making it Match
When used as a word to describe something, 'terminado' must match the thing it describes. Use 'terminada' for feminine things (la tarea terminada), 'terminados' for plural masculine things (los trabajos terminados), and 'terminadas' for plural feminine things (las clases terminadas).
Use 'Estar', not 'Ser'
To say something is finished, you'll almost always use the verb 'estar'. Think of 'finished' as a state or condition. For example, 'El informe está terminado' (The report is finished).
Forgetting to Change the Ending
Mistake: “La tarea está terminado.”
Correction: La tarea está terminada. Because 'tarea' is a feminine word, the describing word 'terminado' needs to change to 'terminada' to match.
cometido
ko-me-TEE-doko.meˈti.ðo
Examples
Hemos cometido un error grave.
We have committed a serious mistake.
El crimen cometido por el ladrón fue imperdonable.
The crime committed by the thief was unforgivable.
¿Quién había cometido la falta?
Who had made the mistake?
Forming Perfect Tenses
You need 'cometido' to form tenses like the Present Perfect: haber (conjugated) + cometido. Example: Ha cometido (He/She has committed).
Using it as an Adjective
When used to describe a noun (like 'the mistake made'), it must match the noun's gender and number: la falta cometida (f, singular), los errores cometidos (m, plural).
Using 'Cometir' for Everything
Mistake: “Using *cometer* for simple actions like 'commit to a plan.'”
Correction: In Spanish, *cometer* is usually reserved for negative actions (crimes, errors, sins). For positive commitment, use *comprometerse* or *dedicarse*.
Task vs. Readiness
Related Translations
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