Inklingo

How to Say "to conclude" in Spanish

English → Spanish

acabar

ah-kah-BAHR/a.kaˈβaɾ/

verbA1formal
Use 'acabar' when you need to express the formal completion of a task, project, or activity.
A smiling bear cub completes a wooden block tower by placing the final block on top.

Examples

Necesito acabar este informe antes de las cinco.

I need to finish this report before five o'clock.

La película acaba con un final inesperado.

The movie ends with an unexpected conclusion.

¿Cuándo acabas de trabajar hoy?

When are you finishing work today?

Simple Usage

Use 'acabar' just like 'finish' in English. If you finished a task, put the task right after the verb: Acabé la cena (I finished dinner).

cerrar

/seh-RRAHR//seˈraɾ/

verbB1formal
Use 'cerrar' specifically when concluding or ending a formal event like a speech, presentation, or a business operation.
A closed, dark storefront secured with a large, heavy brass padlock on the front doors, symbolizing a business closing down.

Examples

El presidente cerrará la conferencia mañana.

The president will conclude the conference tomorrow.

La tienda de la esquina tuvo que cerrar por la crisis económica.

The corner store had to close down due to the economic crisis.

Necesitamos cerrar este trato antes de que termine el mes.

We need to finish (close) this deal before the end of the month.

Use with Time Expressions

'Cerrar' is often used when a time period, like an event or a business day, comes to an end: 'Cerramos a las nueve' (We close at nine).

sacar

/sah-KAR//saˈkaɾ/

verbB1
Use 'sacar' to indicate the act of reaching a conclusion or deducing an answer, often in a logical or problem-solving context.
A contemplative character sitting at a desk, with a large, glowing lightbulb appearing above their head, symbolizing figuring out a solution.

Examples

No saco la respuesta a este problema de matemáticas.

I can't figure out the answer to this math problem.

De nuestra conversación, saqué que no está contento.

From our conversation, I concluded that he isn't happy.

Confusing task completion with logical deduction

Learners often confuse 'acabar' (to finish a task) with 'sacar' (to reach a conclusion/deduction). Remember that 'acabar' is about completing something tangible or an activity, while 'sacar' is about arriving at an understanding or solution.

Related Translations

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