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"Terminar de" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to finish", and "por" is a preposition which is often translated as "by". Learn more about the difference between "terminar de" and "por" below.
terminar de(
tehr
-
mee
-
nahr
deh
)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. to finish
Terminé de limpiar el baño. Ahora tengo que limpiar la cocina.I finished cleaning the bathroom. Now I have to clean the kitchen.
b. to be done with
Terminaré de hacer esto en una hora más o menos. Después podríamos ir al cine.I'll be done with this in an hour or so. Then we could go to the movies.
c. to be done
Cuando termines de lavar los platos, tienes que fregar el suelo de la cocina.When you're done washing the dishes, you have to mop the kitchen floor.
por(
pohr
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
5. (by way of)
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Has ido a por tu hijo a la escuela?Have you picked up your son from school?
Habrá que ir a por leche cuando lleguemos.We'll need to go out for milk when we get there.
8. (for each)
10. (in place of)
a. for
Yo terminaré el trabajo por ti cuando estés de vacaciones.I'll finish the job for you while you're on vacation.
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Está por verse.That remains to be seen.
El asunto está por resolverse.The issue is yet to be resolved.
