rematar

to finish off

rematar(rreh-mah-tahr)

transitive verb

1. (to end)

a. to finish off

No hay nada mejor que una cena romántica para rematar el día.

There's nothing better than a romantic dinner to finish off the day.

b. to conclude

Besé a María para rematar aquella fantástica noche.

I kissed Maria to conclude that wonderful night.

c. to close

El dueño remató el proyecto aquella misma mañana.

The architect closed the project that very morning.

d. to round off

Remataron la fiesta del aniversario con un pastel de chocolate.

They rounded off the anniversary party with a chocolate cake.

e. to cap off

Ella remató sus 18 años de ser estudiante con una fiesta de graduación y un viaje a México.

She capped off 18 years of being a student with a graduation party and a trip to Mexico.

2. (to kill)

a. to finish off

El ciervo estaba herido y el cazador lo remató con su rifle.

The deer was injured and the hunter finished him off with his rifle.

3. (to go on top of)

a. to top

Un resplandeciente diamante remataba el anillo.

A sparkling diamond topped the ring.

b. to crown

Una cúpula gigantesca remataba la catedral.

A huge dome crowned the magnificent cathedral.

4. (sewing)

a. to finish off

Para poder ponerme el pantalón tengo que rematar el bajo.

To be able to wear the pants I have to finish off the hem.

5. (sports)

a. to smash (tennis)

Selena remató la pelota, pero perdió el partido.

Selena smashed the ball, but she lost the match.

b. to shoot (soccer)

Al final de partido Piqué remató el balón y marcó el gol.

At the end of the game Piqué shot the ball and scored the goal.

6. (to clear out)

(Latin America)

a. to sell off

Conseguí rematar las prendas que ya no quería en un mercadillo.

I managed to sell off the clothes I didn't want anymore at a street market.

7. (to sell at an auction)

(Latin America)

a. to auction off

Carmen remató las pertenencias de su abuela después de que se murió.

Carmen auctioned off her grandmother's belongings after she died.

intransitive verb

8. (to finish)

a. to end

La fiesta de cumpleaños de Juan remató con una gran tarta.

Juan's birthday party ended with a big cake.

9. (clothing)

a. to end in

El vestido que me compré en la tienda hippy remata en flecos.

The dress I bought at the hippy store ends in tassels.

10. (sports)

a. to smash (tennis)

Julio remató y ganó el primer set del partido.

Julio smashed and won the first set of the match.

b. to shoot (soccer)

Messi remató y la pelota cayó en manos del portero.

Messi shot and the ball landed in the goalkeeper's hands.