completar
/kompleˈtaɾ/
To complete in Spanish is completar. Wiktionary also lists cabalear.
Meaning: to finish (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| completar | /kompleˈtaɾ/ |
| cabalear | /kabaleˈaɾ/ |
Completar is often used in contexts involving filling out forms, completing a set or finishing a specific requirement or process.
Which one should you use?
While completar means to complete or fill out something, terminar is the more common general verb used to mean 'to finish' or 'to end' an action or a period of time.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/kompleˈtaɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use completar when they actually mean terminar. Use completar specifically when the sense is 'to make whole' or 'to fill in the missing parts'.
Did you know?
- The word completo is used in Chile to describe a popular street food item, which is a hot dog topped with chopped tomatoes, avocado and mayonnaise.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, saying someone is completo can be a high compliment meaning they possess all the necessary virtues or skills for a role.
- While completar means to make whole, the related adjective completo is used in Spanish to describe a 'full house' or a venue that has sold out all its tickets.
Examples in context
- Haz lo que puedas para completar el trabajo.Do your best to complete the work.This sentence shows how to use completar regarding work.Tatoeba #842018 by LugoIlmer, translation #47589 by CK
- Necesitó más tiempo para completar la tarea.He needed more time to complete the task.This sentence illustrates using completar in the context of a task.Tatoeba #1338227 by Shishir, translation #868787 by CM
- Le llevó toda su vida completar su obra maestra.It took him his entire life to complete his masterpiece.This sentence demonstrates using completar for a masterpiece.Tatoeba #1256011 by marcelostockle, translation #1258056 by Eldad
- El proyecto está completo.The project is complete.
- Necesitamos la documentación completa antes de proceder.We need the complete documentation before proceeding.
- Ya tengo el trabajo terminado.I have the work completed.
- La película está terminada.The movie is finished.
- El informe ya está listo.The report is already complete.
- Necesito el documento entero antes de continuar.I need the complete document before proceeding.
- 7 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing a shared office project.
- MaríaAlejandro, ¿vas a completar el informe hoy?Alejandro, are you going to complete the report today?
- AlejandroSí, María, necesito un poco más de tiempo.Yes, María, I need a little more time.
- MaríaEntiendo, pero es importante completar todo a tiempo.I understand, but it is important to complete everything on time.
- AlejandroLo sé, lo terminaré en una hora.I know, I will finish it in an hour.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “complete” translations and entries completar, cabalear, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
