vs 

QUICK ANSWER
"Ultimá" is a form of "ultimar", a transitive verb which is often translated as "to finalize". "Último" is a form of "último", an adjective which is often translated as "last". Learn more about the difference between "ultimá" and "último" below.
ultimar()
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to finalize
Los arquitectos están ultimando los detalles del proyecto de refacción.The architects are finalizing the details for the refurbishment project.
b. to finalise
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
(United Kingdom)
Solo queda un mes para ultimar los preparativos del congreso que este año se celebrará en Lima.There's only a month left to finalise the preparations for the conference which this year will be held in Lima.
c. to complete
Ya ultimamos los preparativos para el desfile.We've completed the arrangements for the parade.
d. to put the final touches to
Los actores están ultimando los detalles para la función de esta noche.The actors are putting the final touches to tonight's performance.
e. to put the finishing touches to
La compositora alemana está ultimando su nuevo disco.The German composer is putting the finishing touches to her new album.
2. (to slay)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
(Latin America)
a. to kill
La víctima le quitó la pistola al ladrón y lo ultimó.The victim took the robber's handgun and killed him.
b. to murder
No se pagó el rescate, y los secuestradores ultimaron al rehén.The ransom was not paid and the kidnappers murdered the hostage.
Copyright © 2026 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.
último()
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. last
Este es el último chocolate de la caja.This is the last chocolate in the box.
a. bottom
Cuidado, que el último escalón tiene un tablón flojo.Be careful; the bottom step has a loose board.
b. top
El cine está arriba en el último piso.The theater is up on the top floor.
c. back
No me gusta sentarme en la última fila del autobús; está muy cerca del baño.I don't like sitting in the back row of the bus; it's really close to the bathroom.
a. latest
Su última película trata de un soldado en Rusia.His latest movie is about a soldier in Russia.
b. last
Esta última semana ha sido muy estresante.This last week has been very stressful.
Copyright © 2026 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.