Terminar vs Acabar

Question

Can you please explain to me how to use the listed words, considering they both have the same translation (to end, to finish)

Answer 1

From my count this question has been asked 9 times on this forum. Don't forget to search before asking

http://www.spanishdict.com/answers/search/acabar

Kuwabara, I have fixed your link which didn't work! You need to 1.click on the internet (globe) symbol in the box then 2 you must copy the desired http:// address into the box that appears and 3.click submit to activate it correctly! I hope this helps :) - FELIZ77, Jan 5, 2016

You will see various symbols at the top of the writing box after you have pressed edit and entered the box where you write your posts! ;) - FELIZ77, Jan 5, 2016

Thanks Feliz! Didn't catch that. - Kuwabara, Jan 5, 2016

Answer 2

Hello amorie,

Welcome to the SpanishDict forum:

You asked:

Can you please explain to me how to use the listed words, considering they both have the same translation (to end, to finish)

Please read Kuwabara's response carefully he is right in saying that many of these questions have already been covered many times over.

The only point I would add is that if you are going to use the acabar de construction which means to have just done something and want to say that you have just finished doing something then use terminar (acabo de terminar not acabo de acabar) This isn't a rule but it just sounds much better than repeating the same verb

ex 1: Acabamos de terminar comiendo ( o viendo una película) = We have just finished eating (or watching a film)

You can also use the verb: completar = to finish, complete

ex 2. Acabo de completar mis estudios en universidad = I have just completed my studies at University

I hope this helps

I for one prefer to see these same questions coming up every once in a while. It provides a good refresher for all of us. If someone just does the search gets their answer it helps them but not the rest of us. - gringojrf, Jan 5, 2016

Anybody want me to do a short article on this? I don't think that our grammar section compares or contrasts the uses of these verbs. - Daniela2041, Jan 6, 2016

Yes Dani that would be an excellent idea, thank you. - ray76, Jan 6, 2016