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How to Say "i end" in Spanish

English → Spanish

termino

/ter-mee-noh//teɾˈmino/

VerbA1Informal
Use 'termino' when you are talking about finishing a specific task, job, or a defined period of time, often indicating the completion of your own action or a routine event.
A joyful child placing the final, colorful block onto a tall, stable stack of wooden blocks, symbolizing the completion of their task.

Examples

Yo termino mi trabajo a las cinco de la tarde.

I finish my work at five in the afternoon.

Yo termino mi turno a las siete.

I finish my shift at seven.

¿Qué hora es? ¡Ya termino la película!

What time is it? I'm finishing the movie now!

Cuando termino de estudiar, te llamo.

When I finish studying, I'll call you.

Using the 'Yo' Form

Even though 'termino' already means 'I finish,' it's common and correct to include the word 'yo' (I) for emphasis: 'Yo termino la cena.'

Regular -AR Verb

This verb follows the simplest conjugation pattern (like hablar and estudiar), making it easy to predict its forms in most tenses.

Confusing Endings

Mistake: “Using 'termino' for 'he/she finishes' (which is 'termina').”

Correction: 'Termino' only works for 'I'. Remember the '-o' ending usually means 'I' in the present tense.

termine

tehr-MEE-nay/teɾˈmine/

VerbB1Formal
Use 'termine' when expressing a desire or requirement for an event, action, or relationship to be concluded, often in a subjunctive mood, suggesting an outcome that is not yet certain or is being hoped for.
A cartoon figure smiling as they successfully place the final piece into a large, colorful jigsaw puzzle, signaling the completion of the task.

Examples

Espero que el proyecto termine pronto.

I hope the project ends soon.

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.)

Indicative vs. Subjunctive 'Endings'

The most common mistake is using the subjunctive 'termine' when the indicative 'termino' is needed for simple statements of fact. Remember, 'termino' is for when you are stating that *you* finish something, while 'termine' is often used when talking about *someone else* or a situation that *needs* to end.

Related Translations

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