he terminado
/e teɾminado/from spelling rules
In Spanish, he terminado is the way to say "I have finished".
This phrase is used to state that a person has completed a task or an activity. You can also use he acabado as a synonymous way to say you have finished.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the auxiliary verb he (I have) and the past participle terminado (finished).
Which one should you use?
He concluido is used specifically when referring to the successful completion of a formal task or project. In informal situations, you might hear Ya terminé or Ya acabé to mean "I'm done" or "I'm finished".
How does it change in a sentence?
The auxiliary verb he must agree with the subject of your sentence. For example, has terminado means "he/she/it has finished" and hemos terminado means "we have finished". Additionally, when you use the verb to say you have finished a specific action, you must use the preposition de before the infinitive, such as he terminado de comer (I have finished eating).
How do you pronounce it?
/e teɾminado/
Did you know?
- In very informal slang, the word acabar can have a sexual connotation referring to orgasm, so speakers sometimes prefer terminar in ambiguous contexts.
- In Spain, the use of he terminado is extremely common for recent actions, whereas in parts of the Americas, it can sound overly formal or even slightly foreign.
- The word he actually traces its roots back to the Arabic word hā, which was used as an exclamation to grab attention.
Examples in context
- He terminado los deberes.I have finished my homework.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase he terminado regarding homework.Tatoeba #589002 by Shishir, translation #255026 by CK
- He terminado de limpiar mi habitación.I have finished cleaning my room.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase he terminado regarding cleaning a room.Tatoeba #1598445 by AgentGreen, translation #319531 by CC
- Entregué el informe. He terminado.I handed in the report. I have finished.
- Ya he concluido el proyecto asignado.I have already finished the assigned project.
- He terminado de leer el libro.I have finished reading the book.
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are working together on a project at home.
- SofíaHe terminado mi parte del proyecto.I have finished my part of the project.
- Javier¿De verdad? ¡Qué rápido!Really? That was fast!
- SofíaSí, ahora te toca a ti.Yes, now it is your turn.
- JavierEstá bien, ya casi acabo.Alright, I am almost done.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries he, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
