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"Finalizar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to finish", and "terminar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to end". Learn more about the difference between "finalizar" and "terminar" below.
finalizar(
fee
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nah
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lee
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sahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to finish
Tardé casi dos años en finalizar mi tesis.It took me almost two years to finish my thesis.
b. to complete
El atleta finalizó el maratón en menos de dos horas y cinco minutos.The athlete completed the marathon in under two hours and five minutes.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
b. to come to an end
Las negociaciones finalizaron sin que se llegara a un acuerdo.Negotiations came to an end without an agreement.
c. to finish
Los obreros terminarán de construir la casa antes de que finalice el año.The construction workers will build the house before the year finishes.
terminar(
tehr
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mee
-
nahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to break up with
Terminó con su novia porque necesitaba espacio.He broke up with his girlfriend because he needed space.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
b. to be done with
¿A qué hora crees que terminarás la traducción?What time do you think you'll be done with the translation?
4. (to result)
a. to end up (used with "-ing")
¿Sabías que Sandy y Jake terminaron casándose?Did you know Sandy and Jake ended up getting married?
terminarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to run out
Espero que lleguemos a nuestro destino antes de que al coche se le termine la gasolina.I hope we get to where we're going before the car runs out of gas.
