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A2 verb 10 min de lecture

cumplir

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces cumplir en 30 secondes

Explication cumplir in your Level:

At the A1 level, you primarily need to know 'cumplir' for talking about birthdays. In Spanish, we don't 'turn' an age; we 'fulfill' it. When you have a birthday, you say 'Hoy cumplo años.' If you want to say you are turning 20, you say 'Cumplo veinte años.' It's a regular '-ir' verb, so it follows the same pattern as 'vivir' or 'escribir.' You will also hear it in the phrase '¡Feliz cumpleaños!' (Happy Birthday!). At this stage, focus on the connection between 'cumplir' and age. Think of it as reaching a milestone. When you see a cake and candles, think 'cumplir.' It is one of the first verbs you will use in social situations to share information about yourself and your family. Remember: Yo cumplo, tú cumples, él cumple. It's simple and very common.

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At the A2 level, you expand 'cumplir' to include promises and basic duties. You start to use the preposition 'con.' For example, 'cumplir con la tarea' (to do the homework) or 'cumplir una promesa' (to keep a promise). You are learning that this verb is about integrity—doing what you said you would do. You might also use it to talk about deadlines in a simple way, like 'cumplir con la fecha' (to meet the date). You should be able to conjugate it in the present, past (Pretérito Indefinido: cumplí, cumpliste...), and future (cumpliré). Understanding that 'cumplir' covers both 'turning an age' and 'fulfilling a task' is the key milestone for an A2 learner. It helps you talk about your responsibilities at school or work and your personal commitments to friends.

At the B1 level, you begin to see 'cumplir' in more idiomatic and abstract contexts. You will learn the phrase 'por cumplir,' which means doing something just for the sake of appearances or out of social obligation. For example, 'Fui a la fiesta solo por cumplir.' You also start using 'cumplir' with dreams and goals ('cumplir un sueño'). You should be comfortable using it in the subjunctive mood, which is common after expressions of desire or necessity: 'Espero que cumplas tus metas' (I hope you achieve your goals). You also learn the noun 'cumplimiento' (fulfillment/compliance). At this level, you start to distinguish between 'cumplir' (to fulfill) and 'realizar' (to carry out/make real), understanding that 'cumplir' often carries a sense of duty or meeting a pre-set standard.

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At the B2 level, 'cumplir' becomes a tool for discussing legalities, professional standards, and complex social dynamics. You will use it to talk about 'cumplir una condena' (serving a sentence) or 'cumplir con los requisitos' (meeting the requirements) for a job or a visa. You understand the nuance of 'cumplir a rajatabla,' which means to follow something to the letter or very strictly. You are also aware of the formal antonym 'incumplir' (to breach or fail to comply). Your use of the verb is now precise; you know when to use the preposition 'con' for obligations and when to use it as a transitive verb for goals. You can discuss the 'incumplimiento de contrato' (breach of contract) in a professional setting. The verb is no longer just about birthdays; it's about accountability and systemic adherence.

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At the C1 level, you master the subtle rhetorical uses of 'cumplir.' You recognize it in literary contexts where it might refer to the fulfillment of destiny or prophecies ('se cumplió el destino'). You can use it to describe sophisticated social maneuvers, such as 'cumplir con el expediente,' which means doing the bare minimum required by protocol. You understand its role in complex grammatical structures, such as 'de no cumplirse las condiciones...' (if the conditions are not met...). You also appreciate the historical and etymological weight of the word, connecting it to concepts of 'completeness' and 'plenitude.' You can use the verb to debate ethics, law, and philosophy, discussing whether 'cumplir con la ley' is always the same as 'obrar bien' (doing the right thing). Your vocabulary includes related terms like 'cumplimentar' (to fill out or to compliment someone formally).

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At the C2 level, 'cumplir' is used with absolute precision and stylistic flair. You can navigate the most formal legal documents where 'el fiel cumplimiento' (the faithful fulfillment) of clauses is paramount. You use the verb in nuanced ways to describe the passage of time in a poetic sense ('al cumplirse el centenario de su muerte'). You are familiar with rare or archaic uses and can identify when 'cumplido' is used as an adjective meaning 'polite' or 'complete' (e.g., 'un hombre muy cumplido'). You can use the verb to express irony or deep cultural insights, such as the social pressure to 'cumplir' in various Hispanic societies. Your command allows you to use 'cumplir' in any register, from street slang to academic discourse, perfectly matching the prepositional needs and the semantic weight required for the situation.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

cumplir en 30 secondes

Cumplir is the go-to verb for birthdays and age milestones in Spanish.
Use it to talk about fulfilling promises, duties, and professional obligations.
When referring to rules or standards, it is frequently followed by 'con'.
It also describes deadlines passing or goals and dreams being achieved.

The Spanish verb cumplir is a versatile and essential pillar of the language, primarily functioning as the equivalent of the English verbs 'to fulfill,' 'to comply,' 'to achieve,' or 'to turn' (in the context of age). At its core, it suggests the completion of a cycle, a requirement, or a promise. When you use cumplir, you are often talking about meeting an expectation or reaching a milestone. It is a regular -ir verb, making it relatively straightforward for learners to conjugate, yet its semantic range is surprisingly broad, touching everything from legal obligations to birthday celebrations.

Birthdays and Age: In Spanish, you don't 'turn' an age using a verb like 'girar'; instead, you 'fulfill' the years. When someone says 'Hoy cumplo treinta años,' they are literally saying they are completing their thirtieth year. This is the most common way to express reaching a new age milestone.

Mañana mi hijo va a cumplir cinco años y estamos muy emocionados.

Promises and Duties: When you make a promise in Spanish (una promesa), the act of keeping that promise is expressed with cumplir. It implies integrity and reliability. Similarly, it is used for duties, chores, and professional obligations. If a boss says a worker 'cumple con su trabajo,' they mean the worker is doing exactly what is required of them.

Beyond these common uses, cumplir appears in legal contexts to describe serving a sentence (cumplir una condena) or meeting the terms of a contract. It conveys a sense of finality and adherence to a standard. In a social context, 'quedar bien' or 'cumplir' can sometimes mean doing something out of social obligation, even if one doesn't particularly want to, just to maintain appearances or be polite. For instance, attending a wedding of a distant relative might be described as 'ir solo por cumplir.'

Es importante cumplir con la palabra dada para mantener la confianza.

Deadlines and Goals: When a deadline arrives, we say the date 'se cumple.' If you reach a goal or a dream, you 'cumples un sueño.' It is the verb of realization and manifestation. It transforms an abstract intention into a concrete reality. Whether it is a personal ambition or a professional quota, cumplir is the word for the finish line.

El plazo para entregar el proyecto se cumple este viernes a medianoche.

Por fin pude cumplir mi sueño de viajar por todo el mundo.

Él siempre cumple sus promesas, por eso todos confían en él.

Using cumplir correctly requires understanding its different syntactic structures. Depending on whether you are talking about age, obligations, or deadlines, the sentence construction changes slightly. This section breaks down the grammar and common patterns so you can use it naturally in any conversation, from a casual birthday party to a formal business meeting.

The Age Pattern (Direct Object): When expressing age, cumplir is transitive. You 'fulfill years.' The structure is: [Subject] + [conjugated cumplir] + [number] + 'años.' Unlike English where we use 'to be' (I am 20) or 'to turn' (I am turning 20), Spanish uses 'tener' for state and 'cumplir' for the action of reaching the age.

Mi abuelo va a cumplir cien años el próximo mes.

The Obligation Pattern (Cumplir con): When 'cumplir' means to comply with something (rules, duties, expectations), it is almost always followed by the preposition 'con.' This is a vital distinction. If you say 'cumplo la ley,' it's acceptable, but 'cumplo con la ley' is more common when emphasizing the act of adherence. Use 'cumplir con' for duties, tasks, and social obligations.

Todos los ciudadanos deben cumplir con sus responsabilidades fiscales.

In the passive or impersonal sense, cumplir is used with 'se' to indicate that a time period has passed or a condition has been met. For example, 'Se cumplió el tiempo' (Time is up). This is very common in sports, games, or timed exams. It can also refer to prophecies or predictions coming true: 'Se cumplió la profecía.'

Si no cumples con el contrato, tendremos que cancelar el servicio.

Fulfilling Dreams and Goals: When talking about goals, desires, or dreams, 'cumplir' is used directly with the object. 'Cumplir un sueño' (to fulfill a dream), 'cumplir un objetivo' (to meet an objective). Here, it doesn't need 'con' because the dream is the direct result of the action, not a rule you are following.

Trabajó duro durante años para cumplir su meta de ser médico.

El equipo no logró cumplir con las expectativas de los aficionados.

¿Cuántos años cumples hoy? ¡Felicidades!

You will encounter cumplir in a variety of settings, ranging from the most joyous celebrations to the most serious legal environments. Its high frequency in everyday speech makes it one of the top verbs a learner should master. Understanding the context helps you choose the right nuance of the word.

At Birthday Parties: The most common place to hear this word is during birthdays. The song 'Cumpleaños Feliz' (Happy Birthday) uses the noun form. People will ask you '¿Cuántos cumples?' as a shorthand for 'How many years are you turning?' It is the central verb of the celebration.

¡Que cumplas muchos más! (May you have many more [birthdays]!)

In the Workplace: In professional environments, cumplir is used to discuss deadlines, quotas, and performance. You will hear it in performance reviews ('Cumple con los objetivos') and in project management ('¿Vamos a cumplir con el plazo?'). It signifies competence and reliability.

Necesitamos cumplir con la cuota de ventas antes de fin de mes.

In legal and news contexts, the word is used to describe the execution of laws or the serving of time. If a criminal is sentenced to ten years, the news will say they must 'cumplir diez años de cárcel.' If a new law is passed, the government will discuss how citizens must 'cumplir con la nueva normativa.' It carries the weight of authority.

El prisionero terminó de cumplir su sentencia y fue liberado ayer.

Social Obligations: In Spanish culture, social etiquette is important. You might hear someone say 'Tengo que ir a la cena solo por cumplir.' This implies that while they might not want to go, they feel a social duty to show up. It's a very common idiomatic way to describe doing things out of politeness.

No tengo ganas de ir a la reunión, pero debo cumplir con mis compromisos.

Ella siempre cumple con lo que dice; es una persona íntegra.

While cumplir is a regular verb, English speakers often trip up on its specific Spanish nuances. Because the English translations ('to turn,' 'to fulfill,' 'to keep') use different verbs, learners often try to apply English logic where it doesn't fit. Avoiding these common pitfalls will make your Spanish sound much more authentic.

Mistake 1: Using 'Volverse' or 'Girar' for Age: In English, we say 'I am turning 21.' Beginners often try to translate 'turning' literally using 'volverse' (to become) or 'girar' (to turn physically). This is incorrect. In Spanish, you always 'cumplir' years. Saying 'Me vuelvo 21' sounds like you are physically transforming into the number 21.

Incorrect: Voy a girar veinte años mañana.
Correct: Voy a cumplir veinte años mañana.

Mistake 2: Forgetting the Preposition 'Con': When you are complying with a rule or duty, 'cumplir' usually requires 'con.' Learners often say 'Cumplo las reglas' (I fulfill the rules). While understandable, 'Cumplo con las reglas' is the standard way to express adherence to standards. Without 'con,' it can sometimes sound like you are completing a task rather than adhering to a standard.

Incorrect: Debes cumplir tus promesas. (Less common)
Correct: Debes cumplir con tus promesas.

Mistake 3: Confusing 'Cumplir' with 'Llenar': Because 'to fulfill' in English can sometimes mean 'to fill up' (like filling a prescription or a glass), learners might use 'cumplir' where 'llenar' (to fill) or 'completar' (to complete) is needed. 'Cumplir' is for abstract things (rules, years, dreams), not physical containers.

Incorrect: Necesito cumplir este formulario.
Correct: Necesito rellenar/completar este formulario.

Ella siempre cumple su palabra, pase lo que pase.

Espero cumplir con todos los requisitos para la beca.

While cumplir is the most versatile word for fulfillment, Spanish offers several other verbs that might be more precise depending on the context. Understanding these alternatives will help you fine-tune your vocabulary and avoid repetitive language.

Realizar vs. Cumplir: 'Realizar' often translates to 'to carry out' or 'to perform.' While you can 'cumplir un sueño' (fulfill a dream), you 'realizas una tarea' (carry out a task). 'Realizar' is more about the physical or technical execution, whereas 'cumplir' is about the satisfaction of a requirement or promise.

Ejecutar vs. Cumplir: 'Ejecutar' is much more formal, often used in legal, musical, or computing contexts. You 'ejecutas un plan' or 'ejecutas una orden.' 'Cumplir' is more common in daily speech. If a soldier 'cumple una orden,' they are being obedient. If they 'ejecutan una orden,' they are specifically carrying out the steps of that order.

El director cumplió su promesa de mejorar los salarios.

Obedecer vs. Cumplir: 'Obedecer' (to obey) focuses on the relationship between the person and the authority. 'Cumplir' focuses on the action itself. You 'obedeces a tus padres' (you listen to them), but you 'cumples con tus tareas' (you finish the work they gave you). 'Cumplir' is more task-oriented.

Other verbs like 'satisfacer' (to satisfy) can be used when talking about meeting needs or requirements ('satisfacer los requisitos'). 'Completar' (to complete) is used for finishing a sequence or filling out a form. Using 'cumplir' for a form would be a mistake; use 'rellenar' or 'completar' instead.

Debemos cumplir con el reglamento interno de la empresa.

Es gratificante cumplir los objetivos que nos propusimos.

¿Crees que el político cumplirá sus promesas de campaña?

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The word 'compliment' in English comes from the same Latin root 'complere', via the Spanish 'cumplido' (something that completes social courtesy).

Guide de prononciation

UK /kʊmˈplɪər/

US /kumˈplir/

The stress is on the last syllable: cum-PLIR.

Rime avec

vivir dormir sentir decir pedir venir salir reír

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing the 'u' like the 'u' in 'cup' (it should be 'oo').
Rolling the 'r' too much (it is a single tap, not a trill).
Adding an 'e' sound at the beginning (Spanish doesn't do this for 'c').
Making the 'i' sound like the 'i' in 'sit' (it should be 'ee').
Stressing the first syllable (it must be the last).

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize in context.

Écriture 3/5

Requires knowing when to use 'con'.

Expression orale 3/5

Conjugation is regular but usage is broad.

Écoute 2/5

Clear pronunciation.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

tener hacer año promesa deber

Apprends ensuite

incumplir realizar lograr alcanzar prometer

Avancé

acatar cumplimentar desempeñar ejecutar

Grammaire à connaître

Regular -ir verb conjugation.

Yo cumplo, tú cumples, él cumple.

Use of 'con' with verbs of compliance.

Cumplir con el reglamento.

Subjunctive mood for wishes.

Que cumplas muchos más.

Reflexive 'se' for impersonal events.

Se cumplió el plazo.

'Al' + Infinitive for temporal clauses.

Al cumplir los 18...

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Exemples par niveau

Hoy cumplo diez años.

Today I am turning ten years old.

Present tense of cumplir.

¿Cuántos años cumples tú?

How old are you turning?

Question form with 'tú'.

Mi hermano cumple años en mayo.

My brother's birthday is in May.

Third person singular.

Mañana voy a cumplir quince años.

Tomorrow I am going to turn fifteen.

Future with 'ir a'.

Ella cumple años el mismo día que yo.

She has the same birthday as me.

Prepositional phrase 'el mismo día'.

¡Feliz cumpleaños!

Happy Birthday!

Noun form used in a greeting.

Nosotros cumplimos años en invierno.

We have our birthdays in winter.

First person plural.

¿Quién cumple años hoy?

Who has a birthday today?

Interrogative 'quién'.

Debes cumplir con tu tarea.

You must do your homework.

Usage of 'cumplir con' for duties.

Él siempre cumple sus promesas.

He always keeps his promises.

Transitive use with 'promesas'.

Cumplí con mi palabra.

I kept my word.

Past tense (Pretérito Indefinido).

No podemos cumplir con el plazo.

We cannot meet the deadline.

Negative form with 'poder'.

Ella cumplió dieciocho años ayer.

She turned eighteen yesterday.

Past tense for a completed birthday.

¿Vas a cumplir con lo que dijiste?

Are you going to follow through on what you said?

Future intent with 'ir a'.

Es importante cumplir las reglas del juego.

It is important to follow the rules of the game.

Infinitive after 'es importante'.

Ellos no cumplieron con su parte del trato.

They didn't fulfill their part of the deal.

Third person plural past.

Espero que cumplas todos tus sueños.

I hope you fulfill all your dreams.

Present Subjunctive after 'esperar que'.

Fui a la boda solo por cumplir.

I went to the wedding just to be polite.

Idiomatic expression 'por cumplir'.

Se cumplió el tiempo de la prueba.

The time for the test is up.

Impersonal 'se' construction.

Si no cumples con los requisitos, no puedes entrar.

If you don't meet the requirements, you can't enter.

Conditional sentence with 'si'.

Me gustaría cumplir mi meta de correr un maratón.

I would like to achieve my goal of running a marathon.

Conditional mood 'gustaría'.

Estamos trabajando para cumplir el objetivo.

We are working to meet the objective.

Gerund 'trabajando'.

Ella siempre cumple con lo que se le pide.

She always does what is asked of her.

Passive 'se' in the relative clause.

Al cumplir los veinte, se mudó a Madrid.

Upon turning twenty, he moved to Madrid.

'Al' + infinitive to mean 'upon doing'.

El acusado debe cumplir una condena de cinco años.

The accused must serve a five-year sentence.

Legal context of 'cumplir'.

La empresa no cumplió con las normas de seguridad.

The company did not comply with safety regulations.

Formal usage of 'cumplir con'.

Es necesario que el gobierno cumpla sus promesas electorales.

It is necessary for the government to fulfill its campaign promises.

Subjunctive after 'es necesario que'.

El contrato se cumplirá en su totalidad.

The contract will be fulfilled in its entirety.

Future passive sense.

No basta con cumplir, hay que hacerlo bien.

It's not enough to just do the task, you have to do it well.

Infinitive as subject.

Se han cumplido las expectativas de los inversores.

Investors' expectations have been met.

Present Perfect with 'se'.

Debemos cumplir a rajatabla el protocolo de emergencia.

We must strictly follow the emergency protocol.

Idiom 'a rajatabla'.

El plazo de entrega se cumple mañana al mediodía.

The delivery deadline is tomorrow at noon.

Reflexive use for deadlines.

El cumplimiento de la ley es fundamental para la democracia.

Compliance with the law is fundamental for democracy.

Noun form 'cumplimiento'.

Apenas cumplió el expediente y se marchó a casa.

He barely did the minimum required and went home.

Idiom 'cumplir el expediente'.

La profecía se cumplió tal y como estaba escrita.

The prophecy was fulfilled exactly as it was written.

Literary use of the verb.

Exigimos que se cumplan las cláusulas del acuerdo.

We demand that the clauses of the agreement be met.

Subjunctive with 'exigir'.

Al cumplirse el centenario, se erigió un monumento.

Upon the centenary being reached, a monument was erected.

Temporal 'al' + reflexive infinitive.

Es un hombre muy cumplido y siempre llega a tiempo.

He is a very polite/dutiful man and always arrives on time.

Adjectival use of the participle.

No ha hecho más que cumplir con su deber.

He has done nothing more than fulfill his duty.

Emphatic structure 'no... más que'.

De no cumplir con lo pactado, habrá consecuencias legales.

If what was agreed upon is not met, there will be legal consequences.

'De' + infinitive for conditional 'if'.

La obra cumple con los más altos estándares estéticos.

The work meets the highest aesthetic standards.

Abstract metaphorical fulfillment.

Se desvivió por cumplir los caprichos de su amada.

He went out of his way to fulfill his beloved's whims.

Usage with 'caprichos'.

El destino terminó por cumplirse inexorablemente.

Destiny finally fulfilled itself inexorably.

Aorist-like finality.

Vino a cumplir con el rito anual de la peregrinación.

He came to perform the annual rite of pilgrimage.

Ceremonial context.

Su vida fue un constante cumplir con la voluntad ajena.

His life was a constant fulfillment of others' wills.

Substantivized infinitive.

El azar quiso que se cumpliera su mayor temor.

Chance would have it that his greatest fear was realized.

Subjunctive with 'querer'.

No es solo una formalidad, es un deber que hay que cumplir.

It's not just a formality; it's a duty that must be fulfilled.

Relative clause 'que hay que'.

La ley se cumple, pero no se siente.

The law is obeyed, but not felt (internalized).

Philosophical/Literary nuance.

Collocations courantes

Cumplir años

Cumplir una promesa

Cumplir con el deber

Cumplir un sueño

Cumplir los requisitos

Cumplir una condena

Cumplir el plazo

Cumplir las expectativas

Cumplir con la ley

Cumplir con su palabra

Phrases Courantes

Por cumplir

— Doing something just for the sake of appearances or out of social obligation.

Vino a la fiesta solo por cumplir.

Cumplir a rajatabla

— To follow something strictly or to the letter.

Cumplió las órdenes a rajatabla.

Cumplir el expediente

— To do the bare minimum required to get by.

No se esfuerza, solo cumple el expediente.

Misión cumplida

— Mission accomplished; used when a task is finished.

¡Misión cumplida! Terminamos el trabajo.

Cumplir con creces

— To more than fulfill expectations; to exceed them.

Cumplió con creces sus objetivos.

Cumplir su ciclo

— To reach the end of a natural or logical period.

Ese modelo de negocio ya cumplió su ciclo.

Hacer cumplir

— To enforce a rule or law.

La policía debe hacer cumplir la ley.

Cumplir la mayoría de edad

— To reach the age of legal adulthood.

Cumplirá la mayoría de edad el próximo mes.

Quedar por cumplir

— Something that remains to be done or fulfilled.

Todavía quedan muchas metas por cumplir.

Ver cumplido algo

— To see something realized or achieved.

Vio cumplido su deseo de ser padre.

Souvent confondu avec

cumplir vs Llenar

Llenar is for physical space; cumplir is for abstract cycles or duties.

cumplir vs Completar

Completar is finishing a set; cumplir is meeting a standard.

cumplir vs Realizar

Realizar is more about the 'doing'; cumplir is about the 'satisfying' of a requirement.

Expressions idiomatiques

"Cumplir los [años]"

— To turn [number] years old.

Cumplo los treinta mañana.

Neutral

"Cumplir con el protocolo"

— To follow the established formal procedure.

Hay que cumplir con el protocolo en la cena.

Formal

"Cumplir con la tradición"

— To follow a long-standing custom.

Cumplimos con la tradición de comer uvas en Año Nuevo.

Neutral

"Cumplir con Dios y con el diablo"

— To try to please everyone, often unsuccessfully or hypocritically.

No puedes cumplir con Dios y con el diablo a la vez.

Informal/Idiomatic

"Cumplir con la cuota"

— To reach a required amount or number.

Ya cumplí con mi cuota de ejercicio por hoy.

Neutral

"Dar por cumplido"

— To consider something as finished or done.

Damos por cumplido el trámite.

Formal

"Cumplir con los honores"

— To perform a task with distinction or to host properly.

Él cumplió con los honores de la casa.

Formal

"Si se cumple..."

— Used in logic or math: 'If [condition] is met...'

Si se cumple la condición A, entonces B.

Academic

"El tiempo se cumple"

— Time is running out or has run out.

El tiempo se cumple para entregar el examen.

Neutral

"Cumplir su palabra de honor"

— To keep a solemn promise.

Juró cumplir su palabra de honor.

Formal

Facile à confondre

cumplir vs Cumplimentar

Looks like cumplir.

Cumplimentar means to fill out a form or to treat someone with excessive courtesy.

Debe cumplimentar el formulario de solicitud.

cumplir vs Completar

Both imply finishing.

Completar is for puzzles or forms; cumplir is for age or promises.

Completé el rompecabezas.

cumplir vs Lograr

Both used for goals.

Lograr emphasizes the effort; cumplir emphasizes the reach of the milestone.

Logró ganar la carrera.

cumplir vs Alcanzar

Both used for reaching targets.

Alcanzar is 'to reach' (physical or numeric); cumplir is 'to fulfill'.

Alcanzó la cima de la montaña.

cumplir vs Tener

Used for age.

Tener describes the state of being an age; cumplir describes the act of turning that age.

Tengo veinte años.

Structures de phrases

[Subject] + cumplir + [number] + años.

Yo cumplo veinte años.

[Subject] + cumplir + con + [duty].

Él cumple con su trabajo.

Esperar que + [Subject] + cumpla + [goal].

Espero que cumplas tu meta.

Se cumple + [time period].

Se cumple el plazo mañana.

Al cumplir + [age], [action].

Al cumplir los treinta, viajó a Japón.

Cumplir a rajatabla + [rule].

Cumplieron el protocolo a rajatabla.

No cumplir + [promise].

No cumplió su promesa.

Ir + solo por cumplir.

Fui solo por cumplir.

Famille de mots

Noms

cumplimiento

cumpleaños

cumplido

Verbes

incumplir

cumplimentar

Adjectifs

cumplidor

cumplido

incumplidor

Apparenté

completo

completar

pleno

plenitud

complemento

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high, especially in social and legal contexts.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'tener' instead of 'cumplir' for the action of turning an age. → Mañana cumplo 20 años.
'Tener' is for the state of having years; 'cumplir' is for the event of reaching them.
Saying 'cumplir un formulario'. → Rellenar un formulario.
'Cumplir' is for abstract goals, not physical paper forms.
Omitting 'con' in 'cumplir con el deber'. → Debo cumplir con mi deber.
While sometimes omitted in casual speech, 'con' is grammatically required for duties.
Confusing 'cumplido' (polite) with 'completo' (full). → Es un hombre muy cumplido.
'Cumplido' as an adjective means someone who is dutiful or polite, not 'full'.
Using 'volverse' for birthdays. → Voy a cumplir 30.
'Volverse' means a transformation; 'cumplir' is for age milestones.

Astuces

The 'Con' Rule

Always use 'con' when 'cumplir' means 'to comply with'. It makes your Spanish sound much more natural and precise.

Birthday Secret

Don't just say 'cumpleaños'. Use 'cumplir' as a verb to ask people about their age: '¿Cuántos cumples?'

Keeping Word

In Spain and Latin America, 'cumplir con su palabra' is a huge mark of character. Use it to praise someone's integrity.

Deadlines

Use 'se cumple' for deadlines. 'Mañana se cumple el plazo' is better than saying 'el plazo es mañana'.

Social Duty

If you are bored at a party you had to attend, tell a friend: 'Vine solo por cumplir'.

No 'Girar'

Never use 'girar' for turning an age. It's a very common English-speaker mistake. Stick to 'cumplir'.

Business Spanish

In a job interview, say 'Soy una persona que siempre cumple con sus objetivos' to impress the employer.

Stress the End

Remember: cum-PLIR. The stress on the last syllable is vital for being understood correctly.

Formal Antonym

Use 'incumplir' in essays or reports. It sounds much better than 'no cumplir'.

Complete = Cumplir

Associate 'Cumplir' with 'Complete'. They look similar and share the same meaning of finishing a cycle.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'completing' a cycle. When you 'cumplir' years, you 'complete' them. When you 'cumplir' a promise, you 'complete' your word.

Association visuelle

Imagine a checkmark (✓) being placed next to a task or a candle being added to a cake.

Word Web

años promesa deber sueño meta requisitos plazo ley

Défi

Try to use 'cumplir' in three different ways today: one for age, one for a promise, and one for a task.

Origine du mot

From the Latin verb 'complere', which means 'to fill up' or 'to complete'.

Sens originel : To fill a container or to bring something to its full state.

Romance (Latin-derived).

Contexte culturel

Be careful when using 'cumplir' to serve a sentence; it's a sensitive topic in legal contexts.

English speakers often find 'cumplir' confusing because we use 'turn' for age, 'keep' for promises, and 'meet' for deadlines. Spanish uses one verb for all.

The song 'Cumpleaños Feliz'. The phrase 'Misión Cumplida' in military and space contexts. Don Quijote's obsession with 'cumplir' his knightly duties.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Birthdays

¿Cuántos años cumples?
Cumplo veintiuno.
¡Que cumplas muchos más!
Feliz cumple.

Work/Deadlines

Cumplir el plazo.
Cumplir los objetivos.
Cumplir con la tarea.
Misión cumplida.

Legal/Rules

Cumplir con la ley.
Cumplir una condena.
Hacer cumplir las reglas.
Incumplimiento de contrato.

Personal Goals

Cumplir un sueño.
Cumplir una meta.
Cumplir un deseo.
Ver cumplido un anhelo.

Social Etiquette

Ir por cumplir.
Cumplir con la palabra.
Ser un hombre cumplido.
Cumplir con el protocolo.

Amorces de conversation

"¿Cuándo cumples años tú?"

"¿Cuál es el sueño más grande que quieres cumplir?"

"¿Crees que es difícil cumplir con todas las reglas de la sociedad?"

"¿Alguna vez alguien no cumplió una promesa que te hizo?"

"¿Qué metas esperas cumplir antes de fin de año?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escribe sobre un sueño que lograste cumplir recientemente.

¿Es importante para ti cumplir siempre con tu palabra? ¿Por qué?

Describe cómo celebraste la última vez que cumpliste años.

¿Qué reglas te resulta más difícil cumplir en tu vida diaria?

Reflexiona sobre una vez que fuiste a un evento 'solo por cumplir'.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

No, 'giro' means a physical turn. You must use 'cumplo 20 años'. Using 'giro' will confuse native speakers.

Use 'con' when you are talking about duties, rules, or standards. For example, 'cumplir con el deber' or 'cumplir con la ley'.

It is a perfectly regular -ir verb. Conjugate it like 'vivir': cumplo, cumples, cumple, cumplimos, cumplís, cumplen.

Cumplir is about meeting a requirement or promise. Realizar is about the action of doing or making something happen.

You use the noun form: '¡Feliz cumpleaños!'. You can also say '¡Que cumplas muchos más!' (May you turn many more!).

Yes, 'cumplir una condena' or 'cumplir diez años de cárcel' is the standard way to express this.

It means doing something only because you feel you have to for social reasons, not because you want to.

No, use 'rellenar' or 'completar'. 'Cumplir' is not used for physical documents.

You say 'cumplir una promesa' or 'cumplir con una promesa'.

The most direct antonym is 'incumplir', used for breaching contracts or failing to follow rules.

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