Inklingo

How to Say "you finish" in Spanish

English → Spanish

acabas

/ah-CAH-bahs//aˈkaβas/

verbA1informal singular address
Use 'acabas' when speaking to a single person informally (like a friend, family member, or peer).
A colorful illustration of a child smiling as they place the last piece into a completed jigsaw puzzle.

Examples

¿A qué hora acabas tu clase de español hoy?

What time do you finish your Spanish class today?

Si acabas con todo el pan, tenemos que ir a comprar más.

If you finish all the bread, we have to go buy more.

Siempre acabas lo que empiezas, lo cual es admirable.

You always finish what you start, which is admirable.

Verb Usage

"Acabas" is the 'tú' (casual 'you') form of the present tense, used for actions happening now or habits.

Confusing 'acabar' and 'terminar'

Mistake: “Using 'acabar' reflexively when 'terminar' is better.”

Correction: Both mean 'to finish', but 'acabar' can sometimes feel more final or definitive, though they are often interchangeable.

acaban

ah-CAH-bahn/aˈkaβan/

verbA1formal plural address
Use 'acaban' when speaking to multiple people formally or informally, or to a single person formally in some regions (though 'usted' forms are more common for singular formal).
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.

Singular vs. Plural/Formal Address

The most common mistake is using 'acabas' when you should be addressing multiple people or using a formal singular address. Remember, 'acabas' is strictly for informal singular 'you'.

Related Translations

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