últimamente vs. acabar

Question

How is "últimamente" used differently than "acabar"? Especially when used as "just now". I understand that one is a verb and one is an adverb. In terms of usage, they seem very interchangeable. Por ejemplo: "acabo trabajar" and "últimamente trabajé" both seem to me to mean "I just worked" or "I just now worked".

I really struggle with the use of "acabar", as it has sooooo many meanings and uses. Very confusing.

Answer 1

Below are examples of when to use acabar.

acabar de + infinitive = to have just done something (in the very recent past)

Acabo de llevar a mi hermana a su casa. I just took my sister to her house.

Acabas de invitar a muchas muchachas. You have just invited many girls.

Cristina acaba de conversar con mi mamá. Christina has just spoken with my mom.

Nosotros acabamos de leer el libro. We just read the book.

Vosotros acabáis de escribir unas cartas. You-all have just written some letters.

Ellos acaban de nadar en el mar. They have just swum in the ocean.

I'm not actually sure this will help. I'm sure that if you wait for Moe, Heidita or others, you will get the answer you are looking for. - Seb79, Nov 13, 2009

This use of acabar is what I have seen that makes sense...and seems very similar to últimamente. Thanks. - DR1960, Nov 13, 2009

Very nice answer Seb! :-) - chaparrito, Nov 13, 2009

Answer 2

Hi Dr, the perífrasis has really nothing to do with últimamente.

Acabo de +infinitive: I have just done something, that is, some minutes ago, just now...

últimamente: lately

Acabo de compra un coche.

No he comprado nada últimamante.

Answer 3

The answers Seb gave make acabar a feel for being more of a specific recent point in time where time is painted with a broader brush using últimamente.

Answer 4

Your examples:

"acabo de trabajar" = I have just worked, not a very good example

Possibly better:

acabo de terminar de trabajar I have just finished work

and "últimamente trabajé": Lately I have been working (while I have been unemployed before)

Thanks for the suggestions!! - Seb79, Nov 14, 2009

Thanks - that helps a lot! - DR1960, Nov 14, 2009