Acabar De + Infinitive
To say something happened a moment ago, Spanish uses acabar de in the present, followed by an infinitive. It sounds natural, and it is simpler than it looks: only acabar changes.
Quick answer
- Acabar de + infinitive = just did: Acabo de llegar.
- Past version with the imperfect: Acababa de salir.
- Terminar de = to finish doing: Terminé de comer.
The present: I just did it
Conjugate acabar in the present, add de, then the infinitive.
| Person | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | acabo de llegar |
| tú | acabas de llegar |
| él / ella / usted | acaba de llegar |
| nosotros | acabamos de llegar |
| ellos / ustedes | acaban de llegar |
Examples
- Acabo de llegar a casa.I just got home.A moment ago.
- Acabamos de comer.We just ate.A moment ago.
- Mi hermana acaba de llamarme.My sister just called me.Just now.
The imperfect: had just done
With acababa de you describe something that had just happened before another moment in the past.
Examples
- Acababa de salir cuando llamaste.I had just left when you called.Before another past moment.
- Acabábamos de llegar y empezó a llover.We had just arrived and it started to rain.Imperfect.
Acabar de vs. terminar de
Acabar de says something happened very recently. Terminar de says you completed an action. Acabo de comer means I just ate. Termino de comer means I finish eating.
Examples
- Acabo de terminar el trabajo.I just finished the work.Both can combine.
- Termino de trabajar a las seis.I finish working at six.Completing it.
- Acaban de abrir la tienda.They just opened the store.Recent.
A quick call
A mother checks in on her son.
Examples
- ¿Ya comiste?Have you eaten yet?Question.
- Sí, acabo de terminar.Yes, I just finished.Just now.
- ¿Y tu hermano?And your brother?Question.
- Acaba de salir al trabajo.He just left for work.Just now.
Spanish around the world
- Used identically in every Spanish-speaking country. In Mexico people also say recién in some regions, but acabar de is the safest and most universal choice.
Common mistakes
Incorrect: Acabo llegar.
Correct: Acabo de llegar.
Do not forget de.
Incorrect: Acabé de llegar. (right now)
Correct: Acabo de llegar.
Use the present to say just now.
Incorrect: Acabo de llegué.
Correct: Acabo de llegar.
After de, use the infinitive.
Incorrect: Acabamos de comiendo.
Correct: Acabamos de comer.
Use the infinitive.
Remember the pattern
- Acabo de + infinitive = I just did it.
- Acababa de = I had just done it.
- Only acabar changes. The second verb stays in the infinitive.
Mini practice
5 quick questions. You get feedback right after each answer.
Frequently asked questions
How do I say "I just ate" in Spanish?
Acabo de comer.
Can I use acabar de in the past?
Yes, with the imperfect: Acababa de comer (I had just eaten).
What is the difference with terminar?
Acabar de means very recently done. Terminar de means to finish an action.
Does the second verb change?
No. It always stays in the infinitive.
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