Inklingo

How to Say "let's finish" in Spanish

English → Spanish

acabemos

ah-kah-BEM-ohsakaˈbemos

verbB1suggestion/command
Use 'acabemos' when you want to express a strong suggestion or command for a group to conclude an activity, often with a sense of finality or impatience.
A group of happy people working together to place the final puzzle piece into a large, colorful jigsaw puzzle.

Examples

¡Acabemos esto de una vez!

Let's finish this once and for all!

Mi jefe quiere que acabemos el informe hoy.

My boss wants us to finish the report today.

Es mejor que acabemos pronto para irnos a casa.

It's better that we finish early so we can go home.

Making Group Suggestions

When you want to say 'Let's do [something]' in Spanish, you often use this '-emos' ending for verbs that normally end in '-ar'.

Wishes and Demands

Use 'acabemos' after phrases like 'Espero que...' (I hope that...) or 'Quiero que...' (I want that...) to talk about finishing something.

Acabamos vs. Acabemos

Mistake: “Using 'acabamos' to mean 'let's finish'.”

Correction: Use 'acabemos' for suggestions/wishes. 'Acabamos' with an 'a' means 'we are finishing' or 'we finished' (a statement of fact).

terminemos

ter-mi-NÉ-mosteɾmiˈnemos

verbB1
Use 'terminemos' when giving a collective command or suggestion to complete a specific task or project, often with a focus on reaching the end of an assignment.
A colorful storybook illustration showing two small, happy cartoon characters running side-by-side, simultaneously breaking a checkered finish line tape, symbolizing completing a shared task.

Examples

¡Terminemos este informe antes de irnos!

Let's finish this report before we leave!

Espero que terminemos de pintar la casa este fin de semana.

I hope that we finish painting the house this weekend.

No terminemos la conversación con una pelea.

Let's not end the conversation with a fight.

The 'Let's' Command

When you want to say 'Let's [do something]' in Spanish, you use the 'nosotros' form of the present subjunctive. For 'terminar', this is 'terminemos'.

Subjunctive Use

'Terminemos' is also the special verb form needed after expressions of desire, doubt, or necessity involving 'we'. For instance, 'Quiero que terminemos' (I want us to finish).

Confusing the 'Let's' Command

Mistake: “Usar 'vamos a terminar' instead of 'terminemos' for a quick, direct command.”

Correction: While 'vamos a terminar' means 'we are going to finish', 'terminemos' is the direct, conversational way to say 'Let's finish!'

Choosing Between 'Acabar' and 'Terminar'

Learners often confuse 'acabemos' and 'terminemos' because both mean 'let's finish'. The main difference lies in nuance: 'acabemos' can imply more urgency or a desire for completion, while 'terminemos' is often more neutral and task-oriented.

Related Translations

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