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"Poner fin a" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "put an end to", and "terminar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to end". Learn more about the difference between "poner fin a" and "terminar" below.
poner fin a(
poh
-
nehr
feen
ah
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
1. (general)
a. put an end to
Cuando se volvió claro que el boxeador no podía seguir, el árbitro puso fin a la pelea.When it became clear that the boxer could not go on, the referee put an end to the fight.
b. put a stop to
Bueno, claramente no vamos a coincidir en esto, así que creo que es hora de ponerle fin a esta discusión e ir a buscar algo de comer.Well, we're clearly not going to agree on this, so I think it's time to put a stop to this argument and go find something to eat.
terminar(
tehr
-
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.
