Activities 5 · 61d63d8bacd394e342e7da94ad78c64a


Acabar de vs. recién

Acabar de and recién both mean just. So what's the difference?

Acabar de is always followed by an infinitive. But don’t be fooled! This infinitive usually corresponds to an ‑ed past verb in English!

Acabo de terminar mi tarea.
I just finished my homework.

Meanwhile, recién is always followed by a preterite.​

Recién terminé mi tarea.
I just finished my homework.

Acabar de is fairly common in Spain, but you’re more likely to hear recién in Latin America.​

Acabo de vestirme.
I just got dressed.​
Recién hablé con mis padres.
I just talked to my parents.