¿ya casi terminas?
The English phrase "are you almost done?" is translated into Spanish as ¿ya casi terminas?
This phrase is used to ask if someone is close to finishing a task.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase ya casi terminas literally translates as "already almost you finish".
Which one should you use?
While ¿ya casi terminas? is common, you can also use ¿ya casi acabas? as the verb acabar can be used interchangeably with terminar in this context.
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, asking ¿ya casi terminas? can be perceived as a subtle way of telling someone they are taking too long.
- The word casi comes from the Latin quasi, making it a close relative of the English word 'quasi', which is often used in academic or technical English.
- Depending on the region, ya can change meaning entirely, sometimes acting as a confirmation like 'yes' or 'I see' rather than meaning 'already'.
Examples in context
- ¿ya casi terminas con la computadora?Are you almost done with the computer?
Example conversation
Elena is waiting for Alejandro to finish cleaning the kitchen.
- ElenaAlejandro, ¿ya casi terminas?Alejandro, are you almost done?
- AlejandroSí, solo me falta lavar este plato.Yes, I just have to wash this plate.
- ElenaEstá bien, yo espero en la sala.That's fine, I'll wait in the living room.
- AlejandroGracias, Elena. Salgo en un minuto.Thanks, Elena. I'll be out in a minute.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries casi, ya, CC BY-SA 4.0.
