Spanish Conversation · Level 16
90 words
Spanish word
terminar
Pronunciation
IPA/teɾmiˈnaɾ/
Meaning
- verbend
Example
La película terminó hace diez minutos.
The movie ended ten minutes ago.
More examples
Hoy tengo que terminar la tarea antes de cenar.
Today I have to finish the homework before dinner.
Core concept
A runner crossing a finish line.
Common phrases
terminar la tarea
finish the homework
terminar el trabajo
finish the work
terminar la reunión
end the meeting
Similar words
acabar: Finish something completely, leaving no part or continuation behind.
parar: Cause motion or an activity to cease, often suddenly or temporarily.
dejar: Give up or discontinue an action (in 'dejar de + infinitive'), ending the behavior.
Definition in Spanish
Llegar al final de algo o hacer que algo llegue a su fin.
Word origin
The verb comes from Latin terminare, from terminus 'boundary', and literally means bringing something to its boundary or end.
Usage tips
- The construction terminar de + infinitive marks completion of an action, while terminar por + infinitive expresses ending up doing something.