Inklingo

How to Say "to finalize" in Spanish

English → Spanish

concretar

/kon-kre-TAR//koŋkɾeˈtaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'concretar' when you are making a plan, deal, or agreement definite and specific, often by setting a date or terms.
Two people shaking hands over a small table with a signed document.

Examples

Por fin pudimos concretar la fecha de la boda.

We were finally able to finalize the wedding date.

Necesitamos concretar los detalles del contrato mañana.

We need to specify the contract details tomorrow.

Antes de irnos, vamos a concretar quién traerá la comida.

Before we go, let's pin down who will bring the food.

Making ideas real

Think of this word as 'making something concrete.' It's an action used when you move from a vague idea to a solid, decided-upon fact.

Verb without a person

When you say something needs to be finalized without saying who does it, use 'se': 'Se concretó el trato' (The deal was finalized).

Don't use 'hacer concreto'

Mistake: “Quiero hacer concreto mis planes.”

Correction: Quiero concretar mis planes. (Spanish uses this single verb instead of a phrase.)

ultimar

/ool-tee-MAHR//ultiˈmaɾ/

verbB2general
Use 'ultimar' when you are completing the very last details or steps to finish something that is already mostly done.
A hand placing the final missing piece into a jigsaw puzzle.

Examples

Estamos ultimando los detalles de la boda.

We are finalizing the wedding details.

El equipo está ultimando el informe antes de la reunión.

The team is wrapping up the report before the meeting.

Necesitamos reunirnos mañana para ultimar el acuerdo.

We need to meet tomorrow to finalize the agreement.

Ultimar vs. Terminar

While 'terminar' just means to end something, 'ultimar' specifically suggests you are taking the very last steps to make something perfect or ready.

Direct Action

You usually use 'ultimar' directly with the thing you are finishing (the object). For example: 'Ultimar el plan' (Finalize the plan).

Using it for simple endings

Mistake: “Ultimé mi café.”

Correction: Terminé mi café. Use 'ultimar' for complex tasks or projects, not simple actions like eating or drinking.

perfeccionar

/pehr-fec-syon-NAR//peɾfeksjoˈnaɾ/

verbB1formal
Use 'perfeccionar' when the goal is to make something, like an agreement or skill, complete and excellent; it implies improvement towards perfection.
A skilled artisan using a tiny brush to add a final, perfect stroke of gold paint to a beautiful ceramic vase.

Examples

Estoy aquí para perfeccionar mi español.

I am here to perfect my Spanish.

El artesano necesita perfeccionar su técnica con el barro.

The craftsman needs to hone his technique with clay.

Han pasado meses perfeccionando el nuevo software antes del lanzamiento.

They have spent months refining the new software before the launch.

It's a one-word solution

English often uses 'make it perfect.' In Spanish, you can express that whole idea with this single verb.

Regular -AR pattern

This verb follows the standard pattern for -ar verbs, meaning no surprising stem changes in the middle.

Using 'hacer perfecto'

Mistake: “Quiero hacer mi técnica perfecta.”

Correction: Quiero perfeccionar mi técnica. 'Perfeccionar' sounds much more natural and precise.

Concretar vs. Ultimar

Learners often confuse 'concretar' and 'ultimar' because both relate to completion. Remember that 'concretar' is about making something definite, like setting a date, while 'ultimar' is about finishing the final touches on something already in progress.

Related Translations

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