Inklingo

How to Say "they conclude" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “they conclude” is “acaban” — use 'acaban' when referring to the completion of a task, activity, or process, often implying the end of a period of work or effort..

English → Spanish

acaban

ah-CAH-bahn/aˈkaβan/

VerbA1formal speech
Use 'acaban' when referring to the completion of a task, activity, or process, often implying the end of a period of work or effort.
Two children smiling as they place the final, completed piece onto a large, colorful jigsaw puzzle, symbolizing the end of a task.

Examples

Ellos acaban su trabajo a las cinco.

They finish their work at five o'clock.

¿Cuándo acaban ustedes el proyecto?

When are you all finishing the project?

Las clases acaban mañana por la tarde.

Classes end tomorrow afternoon.

A Regular Verb

'Acabar' is a regular '-ar' verb, which means it follows the most common conjugation patterns. Once you know the pattern for 'hablar' or 'tomar,' you know 'acabar' too!

Using 'acabar' for location

Mistake: “Acaban en la tienda (They end up in the store).”

Correction: Use 'terminan' or 'resultan' for this meaning. 'Acabar' usually refers to ending a task or time period.

terminan

/tehr-MEE-nahn//teɾˈminan/

VerbA1a meeting or discussion
Use 'terminan' when referring to the ending of a specific event, such as a meeting, discussion, or an examination.
Two figures smiling as they place the last piece into a large, colorful jigsaw puzzle, indicating completion.

Examples

Los estudiantes terminan el examen a las diez.

The students finish the exam at ten o'clock.

Ellas siempre terminan su trabajo antes de la cena.

They (f.) always finish their work before dinner.

Ustedes terminan la fase uno, ¿verdad?

You all are finishing phase one, right?

Who is 'Terminan'?

'Terminan' is the action being done by 'ellos' (they, masculine/mixed), 'ellas' (they, feminine), or 'ustedes' (you all/y'all).

Structure with Nouns

You can follow 'terminan' directly with the thing being finished, like 'terminan el libro' (they finish the book).

Confusing 'Terminan' and 'Terminan de'

Mistake: “Usando 'terminan a comer' (They finish to eat).”

Correction: Use 'terminan de comer' (They finish eating). The little word 'de' must connect 'terminar' to another verb.

Task vs. Event Completion

The most common mistake is using 'acaban' for events like exams or meetings, when 'terminan' is more appropriate. Remember, 'acaban' generally refers to finishing a task or process, while 'terminan' is for concluding specific, time-bound events.

Related Translations

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