Inklingo

How to Say "final" in Spanish

English → Spanish

final

/fee-NAHL//fiˈnal/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'final' when referring to the last item in a sequence or series, or when indicating something is conclusive.
A row of blocks where the last block is marked in a special color, indicating the final item in the series.

Examples

Esta es la decisión final.

This is the final decision.

El examen final es el viernes.

The final exam is on Friday.

Leí el capítulo final del libro anoche.

I read the final chapter of the book last night.

Mi equipo llegó a la final.

My team made it to the final.

Placement is Key

In Spanish, adjectives like 'final' usually go after the thing they describe. So, instead of 'the final chapter', you say 'el capítulo final'.

One Form for Him and Her

The word 'final' doesn't change for masculine or feminine things. It's 'el examen final' (masculine) and 'la decisión final' (feminine). It only changes for plural things, when you add '-es': 'los exámenes finales'.

Always Feminine: 'la final'

When talking about the final match or round of a competition, the word is feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una': 'la final del torneo' (the tournament final).

English Word Order

Mistake: “Quiero ver la final película.”

Correction: Quiero ver la película final. Remember to place 'final' after the noun it's describing.

Mixing up Genders for Sports

Mistake: “Vimos el final de baloncesto anoche.”

Correction: Vimos la final de baloncesto anoche. A championship game is always 'la final' (feminine).

último

adjectiveA2general
Use 'último' to mean 'last' in the sense of 'the very end' or 'no more after this', often implying the end of a period or sequence.

Examples

Diciembre es el último mes del año.

December is the last month of the year.

definitiva

/deh-fee-nee-TEE-bah//definiˈtiβa/

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'definitiva' when you mean something is absolutely final, settled, and not subject to any further changes or discussion.
A wooden gavel resting on a solid wood block, signaling a final decision.

Examples

Esta es la versión definitiva del informe.

This is the final version of the report.

La jueza tomó una decisión definitiva hoy.

The judge made a final decision today.

Queremos encontrar la solución definitiva a este problema.

We want to find the ultimate solution to this problem.

Matching Gender

Because this word ends in 'a,' you must only use it with feminine words like 'la solución' or 'una decisión.' If the thing you are describing is masculine, use 'definitivo' instead.

Adjective vs. Adverb

Mistake: “Using 'definitiva' to mean 'definitely.'”

Correction: Say 'definitivamente' for 'definitely.' Use 'definitiva' only to describe a feminine thing that is final.

final

/fee-NAHL//fiˈnal/

nounB1sports, general
Use 'final' as a noun specifically when referring to a championship game or the final round of a competition.
A row of blocks where the last block is marked in a special color, indicating the final item in the series.

Examples

Mi equipo llegó a la final.

My team made it to the final.

Esta es la decisión final.

This is the final decision.

El examen final es el viernes.

The final exam is on Friday.

Leí el capítulo final del libro anoche.

I read the final chapter of the book last night.

Placement is Key

In Spanish, adjectives like 'final' usually go after the thing they describe. So, instead of 'the final chapter', you say 'el capítulo final'.

One Form for Him and Her

The word 'final' doesn't change for masculine or feminine things. It's 'el examen final' (masculine) and 'la decisión final' (feminine). It only changes for plural things, when you add '-es': 'los exámenes finales'.

Always Feminine: 'la final'

When talking about the final match or round of a competition, the word is feminine. Always use 'la' or 'una': 'la final del torneo' (the tournament final).

English Word Order

Mistake: “Quiero ver la final película.”

Correction: Quiero ver la película final. Remember to place 'final' after the noun it's describing.

Mixing up Genders for Sports

Mistake: “Vimos el final de baloncesto anoche.”

Correction: Vimos la final de baloncesto anoche. A championship game is always 'la final' (feminine).

terminal

tehr-mee-NAHL/teɾmiˈnal/

adjectiveB2medical, formal
Use 'terminal' only when referring to the final stage or end of a process, typically a disease or a journey, implying an irreversible end.
A simple, winding cobblestone path reaches an abrupt end at the edge of a grassy cliff overlooking the ocean, symbolizing a conclusion or final stage.

Examples

El paciente se encuentra en una fase terminal de la enfermedad.

The patient is in a terminal phase of the illness.

La velocidad terminal de la caída depende de la resistencia del aire.

The terminal velocity of the fall depends on air resistance.

El punto terminal del proyecto es la presentación final.

The final point of the project is the closing presentation.

Always Agrees

As an adjective, 'terminal' must match the gender and number of the noun it describes (e.g., 'fase terminal' feminine singular, 'puntos terminales' masculine plural).

Final vs. Último vs. Definitiva

Learners often confuse 'final' and 'último' when meaning 'last'. 'Final' is often used for decisions or competitive events, while 'último' is more general for the end of a sequence or time. 'Definitiva' is for things that are absolutely set and cannot be changed.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.