Learn the different uses of the Spanish verb ACABAR. In this audio lesson, we practice using the verb ACABAR in different grammatical constructs to mean different things.
ACABAR + DE + INFINITIVE
To have just done something
Acabo de hablar con mamá.
(I just spoke to mom.)
Acabamos de comer.
(We have just eaten.)
Acaba de sacar a pasear al perro.
(He just took the dog for a walk.)
Acaban de regresar.
(They just got back.)
ACABAR + NOUN
To finish something
Acabé mi tarea.
(I finished my homework.)
Acabamos el proyecto.
(We finished the project.)
¿Acabaste el libro?
(Did you finish the book?)
ACABARSE
Something has run out or has been used up
Se acabaron los fondos.
(The funds have been used up.)
Se acabó la batería de mi móvil.
(The battery has run out on my cellphone.)
ACABARSE + TE / ME / LE(S) / NOS
To have run out of something
Se nos acabó la comida.
(We’ve run out of food.)
Se me acabaron las ideas.
(I have run out of ideas.)
Algún día se le va a acabar la suerte.
(Someday, he is going to run out of luck.)
ACABAR CON
To do away with or put an end to
Quiere acabar con las regulaciones innecesarias.
(She wants to do away with unnecessary regulations.)
La lesión acabó con su carrera deportiva.
(The injury ended his sports career.)
Acabamos con el odio.
(We put an end to the hatred.)
ACABAR POR + INFINITIVO
To end up doing something
¿Acabaste por volver a pie?
(Did you end up walking back?)
Acabé por no ir a la reunión.
(I ended up not going to the meeting.)
Acabaron por hablar de sus familias.
(They ended up talking about their families.)
ACABAR + GERUNDIO
To end up doing something
Siempre acabamos hablando de trabajo.
(We always end up talking about work.)
Acabaste cantando en el coro.
(You ended up singing in the chorus.)
Acabó enseñando inglés en Ecuador.
(He ended up teaching English in Ecuador. )
¿Acabaste llorando?
(Did you end up crying?)
No, acabé riéndome.
(No, I ended up laughing.)
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