acabar

Senses

1. 1.

   to finish, to end

   to bring something to completion or reach its natural conclusion

2. 2.

   to run out of, to use up

   to deplete or exhaust a supply

3. 3.

   to end up, to wind up

   to finally be in a particular state or place (usually with 'acabar + gerund' or 'acabar + preposition')

4. 4.

   to have just (done something)

   to express an action that happened moments ago (with 'acabar de + infinitive')

Examples

• "Acabé mi tarea hace una hora."

  I finished my homework an hour ago.

• "Se acabó el pan en la panadería."

  The bread ran out at the bakery.

• "Acabo de recibir tu mensaje."

  I have just received your message.

Usage

Acabar is one of the most frequent Spanish verbs. The construction "acabar de + infinitive" (present tense) is essential for expressing recent past actions; this is distinct from English "have just" in that it implies immediacy. Be careful: "acabarse" (reflexive) emphasizes that something is exhausted or completely finished. Common collocation: "acabar con" (to put an end to, to destroy).