I'm learning español

acabó — meaning in English: finished

Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for finished
parece
espada
mientras
acabó
sucede
Skip this question   
🎓
Learn Spanish for free
Quizzes, examples, audio & daily challenges. No password needed — just your email.
Start learning →
Already have an account? Log in
neutral common
Usage
Native speakers often use 'acabó' when discussing the completion of tasks, such as finishing a project at work or completing a meal. You might hear it at the end of a movie, when someone says, 'La película acabó,' signaling that the viewing experience has concluded.
Synonyms & nuances
'Acabó' can be translated to 'finished' or 'done,' but it's important to distinguish it from 'terminó,' which is more formal. You would choose 'acabó' when speaking casually about something that is informally concluded, while 'terminó' might be more suitable in official contexts.
Culture
The word 'acabó' is derived from the Latin 'caput,' meaning 'head' or 'end,' which reflects its use in denoting the conclusion of something. In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the concept of finishing is celebrated, especially during festivities like New Year's Eve, when people reflect on what they have 'acabado' in the past year and set goals for the new one.
FAQ
Q.What is the meaning of acabó in English?
'Acabó' translates to 'finished' or 'completed' in English, indicating that something has come to an end.
Q.Can I use acabó in different tenses?
Yes, 'acabó' is the simple past form of the verb 'acabar.' You can use it in other tenses like 'acaba' (present) or 'acabará' (future) to indicate different times of completion.
Q.Is acabó used in formal writing?
'Acabó' is generally considered neutral and can be used in both spoken and written contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might prefer 'terminó' for a more polished tone.
Learn spanish with Maspeak →
Spanish 1000