What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of "did you finish eating?" using the preterite tense. It uses the verb terminar (to finish) followed by the preposition de and the infinitive comer (to eat).
Which one should you use?
You may also hear the informal variation ¿Ya terminaste de comer? which includes the word ya (already). For a very short, informal way to ask if someone is finished or done, you can simply say ¿Terminaste?
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase ¿terminaste de comer? uses the informal singular tú conjugation of the verb terminar. When asking a group of people if they are done eating, use the plural form ¿terminaron de comer? Note that the verb terminar requires the preposition de before the infinitive of the action being completed (terminar de + [infinitive]).
When do people say it?
If someone asks you if you are done eating, a common way to respond is Sí, ya terminé (Yes, I am already done) or, if you are still eating, Todavía no (Not yet).
Did you know?
- Beyond the dinner table, the phrase comerse el mundo (to eat the world) is used to describe someone who is ambitious and determined to succeed.
- If you are finished eating and want to signal this to a waiter without speaking, it is customary to place your knife and fork parallel to each other on the plate.
- The verb comer can mean 'to eat' in general, but in Spain it specifically refers to the mid-day meal, which is typically the largest of the day.
Examples in context
- Dime, ¿terminaste de comer?Tell me, are you done eating?
