Inklingo

How to Say "finish!" in Spanish

English → Spanish

termina

ter-MEE-nahteɾˈmina

verbA1informal
Use 'termina' for a direct, informal command ('tú' form) to tell someone to finish something.
A child smiling while successfully placing the final piece of a colorful jigsaw puzzle, indicating completion of the task.

Examples

¡Termina tu tarea ahora!

Finish your homework now!

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).

acaba

ah-KAH-bahaˈka.βa

verbA2informal
Use 'acaba' as an informal command ('tú' form) when urging someone to complete an action, often with a sense of immediacy.
A focused child sitting at a kitchen table proudly looking at their clean, empty bowl, having finished their meal.

Examples

¡Acaba de comer, que nos vamos!

Finish eating, we're leaving!

¡Acaba tu comida, por favor!

Finish your food, please!

Acaba el capítulo y luego vamos al parque.

Finish the chapter and then we'll go to the park.

Giving Friendly Commands

'Acaba' is how you tell a friend, family member, or someone you call 'tú' to finish something. For a more formal command (for 'usted'), you would say 'acabe'.

termine

tehr-MEE-nayteɾˈmine

verbB1formal
Use 'termine' for formal commands ('Usted' form) or when expressing a desire or wish for someone else to finish something.
A cartoon figure smiling as they successfully place the final piece into a large, colorful jigsaw puzzle, signaling the completion of the task.

Examples

Le pido que termine el informe para el viernes.

I ask that you finish the report by Friday.

Quiero que mi hermano termine la tarea antes de salir.

I want my brother to finish the homework before leaving.

Espero que yo termine este libro pronto.

I hope that I finish this book soon.

¡Termine usted de comer, que es tarde!

Finish eating, it is late! (Formal command)

The Special 'Wish' Form

'Termine' is a special verb form (called the Present Subjunctive) used when you express desires, doubts, or emotions about someone else finishing something. You usually need the word 'que' (that) to connect the two parts: 'Espero que termine'.

Formal Commands

When you give a polite command to someone you address as 'Usted' (you formal), you use 'Termine'. For example, '¡Termine su comida!' (Finish your food!).

Confusing Subjunctive and Indicative

Mistake: “Espero que él termina el trabajo.”

Correction: Espero que él termine el trabajo. (The verb changes form when expressing hope or desire.)

Informal vs. Formal Commands

The most common mistake is using an informal command form like 'termina' or 'acaba' when you should use the formal 'termine' (Usted). Always consider if you are addressing someone formally or informally.

Related Translations

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