Article created on January 29, 2025, article updated on January 31, 2025, by Sandra Sánchez
How to Use “Acabar De” + Infinitive in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide
Learning Spanish can be an exciting journey, and mastering idiomatic expressions like “acabar de” + infinitive is a crucial step towards fluency. This versatile phrase is commonly used in everyday Spanish conversations and can greatly enhance your ability to express recent actions or events. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the ins and outs of using “acabar de” + infinitive, providing you with practical examples, usage tips, and common mistakes to avoid.
Understanding the Basics of “Acabar De” + Infinitive
Before diving into the specifics, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental concept behind this construction. “Acabar de” + infinitive is used to express that an action has just been completed or has happened in the recent past. It’s similar to the English phrase “to have just done something.”
The Structure of “Acabar De” + Infinitive
The basic structure of this phrase is as follows:
Subject + conjugated form of “acabar” in the present or imperfect tense + “de” + infinitive verb
For example:
- Yo acabo de comer. (I have just eaten.)
- Ella acaba de llegar. (She has just arrived.)
- Nosotros acabábamos de salir cuando llamaste. (We had just left when you called.)
Conjugating “Acabar” in Different Tenses
To use “acabar de” + infinitive correctly, you need to know how to conjugate “acabar” in various tenses. Let’s look at the most common conjugations:
Present Tense (Presente)
- Yo acabo de
- Tú acabas de
- Él/Ella/Usted acaba de
- Nosotros/Nosotras acabamos de
- Vosotros/Vosotras acabáis de
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes acaban de
Imperfect Tense (Imperfecto)
- Yo acababa de
- Tú acababas de
- Él/Ella/Usted acababa de
- Nosotros/Nosotras acabábamos de
- Vosotros/Vosotras acababais de
- Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes acababan de
Common Uses of “Acabar De” + Infinitive
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore the various ways you can use this construction in everyday Spanish conversations.
Expressing Recent Actions
The most common use of “acabar de” + infinitive is to describe actions that have just occurred or been completed. This usage is particularly helpful when you want to emphasize the immediacy of an action.
Examples:
- Acabo de terminar mi tarea. (I have just finished my homework.)
- El tren acaba de salir de la estación. (The train has just left the station.)
- Los niños acaban de irse a dormir. (The children have just gone to bed.)
Describing Recent Past Events
“Acabar de” + infinitive can also be used to talk about events that happened in the recent past, often with a sense of surprise or significance.
Examples:
- ¡Acabo de ganar la lotería! (I’ve just won the lottery!)
- María acaba de anunciar su compromiso. (Maria has just announced her engagement.)
- Acabamos de recibir una noticia importante. (We have just received important news.)
Indicating the Start of an Action
In some contexts, “acabar de” + infinitive can be used to express that an action has just begun or is about to begin.
Examples:
- La película acaba de empezar. (The movie has just started.)
- El concierto acaba de comenzar. (The concert has just begun.)
- La temporada de verano acaba de iniciar. (The summer season has just begun.)
Using “Acabar De” + Infinitive in Different Tenses
While the present tense is the most common form for “acabar de” + infinitive, it can be used in other tenses to express different timeframes and contexts.
Imperfect Tense for Past Actions
The imperfect tense of “acabar” is used to describe actions that had just happened in the past, often in relation to another past event.
Examples:
- Cuando llegué, ellos acababan de cenar. (When I arrived, they had just finished dinner.)
- Acabábamos de salir cuando empezó a llover. (We had just left when it started raining.)
- El avión acababa de despegar cuando se anunció la tormenta. (The plane had just taken off when the storm was announced.)
Future Tense for Hypothetical Situations
Although less common, “acabar de” + infinitive can be used in the future tense to describe hypothetical situations or actions that will have just been completed at a future point.
Examples:
- Cuando llegues, probablemente acabaré de preparar la cena. (When you arrive, I will probably have just finished preparing dinner.)
- Para el próximo mes, habremos acabado de renovar la casa. (By next month, we will have just finished renovating the house.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As with any language feature, there are some common pitfalls to be aware of when using “acabar de” + infinitive. Here are a few mistakes to avoid:
Using the Wrong Tense of “Acabar”
Remember that “acabar” should be conjugated in the present or imperfect tense in most cases. Avoid using it in the preterite tense, as this changes the meaning entirely.
Incorrect: Yo acabé de comer. (This means “I finished eating,” not “I have just eaten.”)
Correct: Yo acabo de comer. (I have just eaten.)
Forgetting the “De”
Always include the preposition “de” between the conjugated form of “acabar” and the infinitive verb. Omitting it changes the meaning of the phrase.
Incorrect: Acabo comer.
Correct: Acabo de comer.
Using a Conjugated Verb Instead of the Infinitive
The verb following “de” should always be in its infinitive form, not conjugated.
Incorrect: Acabo de comí.
Correct: Acabo de comer.
Tips for Mastering “Acabar De” + Infinitive
To become proficient in using this construction, consider the following tips:
Practice Regularly
Incorporate “acabar de” + infinitive into your daily Spanish practice. Try to use it in conversations, writing exercises, or even when talking to yourself about recent actions.
Listen for It in Native Speech
Pay attention to how native Spanish speakers use this construction in movies, TV shows, or podcasts. This will help you understand its natural usage and context.
Create Example Sentences
Make a list of common activities and practice forming sentences using “acabar de” + infinitive. This will help reinforce the structure and make it more automatic in your speech.
Use It in Context
Try to use “acabar de” + infinitive in real-life situations. For example, when you’ve just completed a task, express it using this construction.
Expanding Your Spanish Skills Beyond “Acabar De” + Infinitive
While mastering “acabar de” + infinitive is an important step in your Spanish journey, it’s just one of many idiomatic expressions that can enhance your language skills. Here are some related concepts to explore:
Other Uses of “Acabar”
“Acabar” has several other uses in Spanish beyond the “acabar de” + infinitive construction. For example:
- “Acabar con” – to finish off or end something
- “Acabar por” + infinitive – to end up doing something
- “Acabarse” – to run out or come to an end
Similar Time Expressions
Explore other Spanish expressions used to talk about recent past or immediate future, such as:
- “Estar a punto de” + infinitive – to be about to do something
- “Hace poco” – recently
- “En seguida” – right away, immediately
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “acabar de” + infinitive is a significant milestone in your Spanish language journey. This versatile construction allows you to express recent actions and events with precision and fluency, bringing your Spanish skills closer to those of a native speaker. By understanding its structure, practicing its usage in various tenses, and being aware of common mistakes, you can confidently incorporate this phrase into your everyday Spanish conversations.
Remember that language learning is a gradual process, and perfecting the use of “acabar de” + infinitive will take time and practice. Don’t be discouraged if you make mistakes at first – they’re a natural part of the learning process. Keep practicing, listening to native speakers, and using the construction in context, and you’ll soon find it becoming a natural part of your Spanish repertoire.
As you continue to expand your Spanish skills, don’t forget to explore other idiomatic expressions and time-related constructions. Each new phrase you master brings you one step closer to fluency and a deeper understanding of the Spanish language and culture. ¡Buena suerte en tu aprendizaje del español!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can “acabar de” be used with all verbs in Spanish?
While “acabar de” can be used with most verbs, it’s generally not used with stative verbs (verbs that describe states rather than actions), such as “ser” (to be), “tener” (to have), or “saber” (to know). It’s primarily used with action verbs to describe recently completed actions.
2. Is there a difference between “acabo de” and “acaba de”?
Yes, there is a difference. “Acabo de” is the first-person singular form (I have just), while “acaba de” is the third-person singular form (he/she/it has just). The form changes based on the subject of the sentence, following the conjugation rules for “acabar” in the present tense.
3. Can “acabar de” be used in the negative form?
Yes, “acabar de” can be used in the negative form. For example, “No acabo de entender” means “I don’t quite understand” or “I haven’t just understood.” However, note that in this context, the meaning shifts slightly from the idea of a recently completed action.
4. Is there an English equivalent to “acabar de” + infinitive?
The closest English equivalent is “to have just” + past participle. For example, “Acabo de comer” translates to “I have just eaten.” However, English often uses the simple past tense where Spanish would use “acabar de,” so the translation isn’t always one-to-one.
5. Can “acabar de” be used in commands or the imperative mood?
No, “acabar de” is not typically used in commands or the imperative mood. It’s primarily used to describe actions that have just been completed, which doesn’t align with giving orders or instructions. If you want to tell someone to finish something quickly, you might use “terminar” or “acabar” without “de,” as in “¡Acaba tu tarea!” (Finish your homework!).
