Inklingo

How to Say "done for" in Spanish

English → Spanish

acabado

ah-kah-BAH-doh/a.kaˈβa.ðo/

adjectiveB2informal
Use 'acabado' when you are extremely exhausted after a strenuous activity, implying a state of being worn out.
A small, extremely exhausted cartoon bear lying completely flat, face down on the ground, with tiny sweat marks around it.

Examples

Después de la excursión, el corredor estaba completamente acabado.

After the hike, the runner was completely done for/exhausted.

El viejo motor ya estaba acabado y tuvimos que reemplazarlo.

The old engine was already worn out and we had to replace it.

Si el negocio cierra, estamos acabados.

If the business closes, we are ruined/done for.

Use with Estar

This emotional or physical state always uses the verb 'estar' (to be temporarily) because it describes a current condition, not a permanent characteristic.

frito

FREE-toh/ˈfɾito/

adjectiveC1informal
Choose 'frito' when you are in big trouble or have completely messed up a situation, often implying negative consequences.
A small, cartoonish figure sitting slumped on the ground with their head resting on their knees, indicating extreme tiredness or exhaustion.

Examples

Después de correr la maratón, estoy completamente frito.

After running the marathon, I am completely exhausted.

Si llegas tarde al aeropuerto, estás frito, pierdes el vuelo.

If you arrive late to the airport, you are done for; you'll miss the flight.

Used with 'Estar'

This figurative meaning almost always uses the verb 'estar' (to be temporarily) because it describes a temporary state of feeling tired or being in trouble.

quemado

/keh-MAH-doh//keˈmaðo/

adjectiveB2informal
Employ 'quemado' when you feel completely defeated, burnt out, or emotionally finished due to prolonged stress or lack of rest.
A simple cartoon figure sitting slumped over a small desk, resting their head heavily on their arms, looking utterly exhausted.

Examples

Después de tres meses sin descanso, estoy completamente quemado.

After three months without rest, I am completely burnt out.

Ella está quemada de estudiar la misma materia.

She is fed up with studying the same subject.

Using 'Estar'

This emotional state almost always uses the verb 'estar' (to be temporarily) because it describes a current feeling or condition, not a permanent characteristic.

Mixing up 'Ser' and 'Estar'

Mistake: “Soy quemado.”

Correction: Estoy quemado. Using 'ser' would imply being a 'burnt person' permanently, which doesn't convey the temporary feeling of exhaustion.

Exhausted vs. In Trouble

Learners often confuse 'acabado' and 'frito' because both can describe exhaustion. Remember, 'acabado' focuses purely on physical tiredness, while 'frito' implies you're in trouble or have made a significant mistake.

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