Inklingo

How to Say "finish" in Spanish

English → Spanish

fin

/feen//ˈfin/

NounA1General
Use 'fin' when referring to the literal end or conclusion of something, like a book, a movie, or a period of time.
A winding cobblestone path abruptly meeting a smooth, solid white wall, symbolizing the conclusion or end of a journey.

Examples

Este es el fin del libro.

This is the end of the book.

¿Qué haces este fin de semana?

What are you doing this weekend?

Al fin terminamos el proyecto.

At last, we finished the project.

Masculine Gender

'Fin' is a masculine noun, so you always say 'el fin' (the end) or 'un fin' (an end). This is true even in the very common phrase 'el fin de semana'.

'Fin' vs. 'Final'

Mistake: “Me gustó el fin de la película.”

Correction: Me gustó el final de la película. While 'fin' can mean 'end', when talking about the ending of a story, movie, or play, 'el final' is much more common. Think of 'fin' as the point in time something stops, and 'final' as the concluding part itself.

termines

/tair-MEE-ness//teɾˈmines/

VerbB1General
Use 'termines' (a form of 'terminar') when expressing a desire or a future possibility related to the completion of an action.
A runner crossing a finish line with their arms raised in success.

Examples

Quiero que termines tu cena.

I want you to finish your dinner.

Avísame cuando termines de trabajar.

Let me know when you finish working.

No creo que termines hoy.

I don't think you will finish today.

The 'E' Swap

For verbs ending in -ar, we swap the usual 'a' for an 'e' when expressing wishes, doubts, or future plans. That is why 'terminas' becomes 'termines'.

Future Timing

Use 'termines' after 'cuando' (when) if you are talking about something that hasn't happened yet, like 'Call me when you finish'.

Don't use the 'Fact' form for wishes

Mistake: “Quiero que terminas.”

Correction: Quiero que termines. Because 'wanting' something isn't a guaranteed fact, Spanish uses the special 'e' form for -ar verbs.

acabado

ah-kah-BAH-doh/a.kaˈβa.ðo/

NounB1Specific (materials, products)
Use 'acabado' when describing the surface treatment, quality, or appearance of an object's finish.
A close-up view of a highly polished, deep brown wooden plank, showing a bright, reflective, glossy surface quality.

Examples

El acabado brillante de este coche es impresionante.

The glossy finish of this car is impressive.

Busco un acabado mate para la pared de la cocina.

I'm looking for a matte finish for the kitchen wall.

Se nota un acabado de primera calidad en los muebles.

A top-quality workmanship is noticeable in the furniture.

Using 'el acabado'

When used as a noun, 'acabado' is always masculine (el acabado). It refers to the physical final state or texture of an object, like paint, wood, or metal.

Confusing Verb and Noun

Mistake: “La coche tiene acabado.”

Correction: El coche tiene un buen acabado.

Verb vs. Noun Confusion

Learners often confuse 'fin' (the end) with 'acabado' (a surface finish) or the verb 'terminar'. Remember that 'fin' is strictly about the conclusion, while 'acabado' refers to a material quality and 'terminar' is the action of completing something.

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