How to Say "i just" in Spanish

The Spanish word for “i just” is “acabo” — A2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.

English → SpanishA2

acabo

Verb (in a special phrase)A2

referring to the immediate past

A character standing immediately inside a front doorway, still holding the door handle and looking slightly out of breath, indicating a very recent arrival.

Examples

Acabo de llegar a casa.

I have just arrived home.

Acabo de comer, así que no tengo hambre.

I just ate, so I'm not hungry.

¿Ese correo? Sí, acabo de leerlo.

That email? Yes, I just read it.

The 'I Just Did Something' Formula

This is a super useful shortcut! Use acabo de + the basic ar/er/ir form of another verb to say you did something just a moment ago. For example, acabo de ver means 'I just saw'.

Don't Translate 'Just' Directly

Mistake: “Using a word like 'justo' for recent actions: 'Yo justo comí.'”

Correction: Always use the special `acabar de` structure for this. The right way is: `Acabo de comer.`

See full entry for “acabo” →

Related Translations

completed→ended→ended up→finished→i finish→it's over→

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