vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Terminar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to end", and "poner fin a" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "put an end to". Learn more about the difference between "terminar" and "poner fin a" below.
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.
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.
