Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| accomplir | /a.kɔ̃.pliʁ/ |
| terminer | /tɛʁ.mi.ne/ |
| achever | /aʃ.ve/ |
While all these verbs mean to complete, they are used in different contexts. You use accomplir when the completion involves fulfilling a duty, a mission or a significant task. You use terminer for the most common, neutral way to say you are finishing a task, a meal or a process. You use achever to imply bringing something to its final, definitive conclusion.
Which one should you use?
accomplir is used for fulfilling a duty or mission, whereas terminer is the neutral, everyday way to say you are finishing a task or a process. achever is used to imply bringing something to a definitive close, often in more formal or literary contexts.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle terminé can be used as an adjective to describe something that is finished.
How do you pronounce it?
/a.kɔ̃.pliʁ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not confuse the verb 'to complete' with the adjective 'complete'. In French, complet is an adjective meaning 'full' or 'containing all parts'. To express the action of completing something, use the verbs accomplir, terminer or achever instead.
Did you know?
- The verb achever has a dark double meaning in French. While it means to complete a task, it is also the standard term used to describe delivering a final blow to a wounded animal or person to end their suffering.
- In a French restaurant, if a waiter says the hotel or venue is complet, they aren't saying the building is finished, but that there are no rooms or tables left.
- The French verb achever shares an unexpected ancestor with the English word 'achieve', despite the fact that 'achever' means 'to complete' and 'achieve' often implies success.
Examples in context
- J'ai une mission à accomplir.I have a mission to complete.This sentence shows how to use accomplir for a mission.Tatoeba #6556279 by Aiji, translation #2358765 by CK
- Je dois le terminer au plus vite.I must complete it as soon as possible.This sentence shows how to use terminer to express finishing something as quickly as possible.Tatoeba #11293572 by Rovo, translation #3178642 by CK
- Je vais terminer ce qu'il a commencé.I will complete what he started.This sentence shows how to use terminer to express finishing something that was started by someone else.Tatoeba #1511351 by Rovo, translation #1510300 by CH
- La réunion est terminée.The meeting is complete.
- Le rapport est achevé.The report is complete.
- Le travail est fini.The work is complete.
- Je suis complètement fatigué(e).I am completely tired.
- Tu as tout à fait raison.You are absolutely right.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hugo and Léa are discussing their work goals.
- HugoAs-tu tout à accomplir aujourd'hui, Léa ?Do you have everything to complete today, Léa?
- LéaOui, j'ai encore beaucoup de travail.Yes, I still have a lot of work.
- HugoJe peux t'aider à accomplir tes tâches.I can help you complete your tasks.
- LéaC'est très gentil, merci Hugo !That is very kind, thank you Hugo!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “complete” translations and entries accomplir, terminer, achever, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries accomplir, achever, terminer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
