I’m Almost Done in Spanish | Natural Ways To Say It Right

Common choices are “Ya casi termino” and “Ya casi estoy listo,” chosen by context, tone, and what you’re finishing.

You want to say “I’m almost done” in Spanish, and you want it to land the way it does in English: polite, clear, and normal. Spanish gives you more than one clean option, and the best pick depends on what you’re finishing and who you’re talking to.

The good news is you don’t need fancy vocabulary. A few everyday phrases handle nearly every moment: finishing a task, wrapping up a call, getting ready to leave, or telling someone you’ll be ready soon.

I’m Almost Done in Spanish: Phrases That Fit Real Life

If you want a safe default, start here. These lines sound natural across many Spanish-speaking places, and they work in speech and text.

Ya casi termino

This is the closest match to “I’m almost done” when you’re finishing an activity: writing, cleaning, filling out a form, cooking, sending an email. It’s short and direct, with a friendly tone.

“Termino” comes from terminar, which means ending or finishing something. That’s why it fits so many tasks.

Ya casi acabo

This lands the same way as “Ya casi termino,” and lots of people use the two interchangeably. It can feel a touch more casual in some settings, but it still works at work if you keep your tone steady.

It comes from acabar, another everyday verb for finishing. If you hear “Ya casi acabo” from native speakers, you can mirror it with confidence.

Casi termino

This drops “ya,” so it can feel a bit flatter. It’s still fine, just less warm. If you’re messaging a friend, it’s totally normal. If you’re replying to a boss, “Ya casi termino” often reads better.

Ya termino

This means you’re finishing right now. People use it when someone’s waiting and you want to calm the moment. It’s close to “I’m finishing up.”

Use it when the timing is tight: you’re putting the last thing away, clicking “send,” or grabbing your keys.

How To Choose The Right Version

English uses “done” for two different ideas: finishing a task and being ready. Spanish usually splits those ideas. That’s why it helps to decide which one you mean before you pick the phrase.

Task vs. ready

If you mean “I’m almost finished with the task,” pick “Ya casi termino” or “Ya casi acabo.” If you mean “I’m almost ready,” pick “Ya casi estoy listo” or “Ya casi estoy lista.”

Why “casi” matters

“Casi” means “not fully, but close.” It signals you’re near the end, not there yet. The RAE note on “casi” matches how people use it: it modifies what comes next and keeps the meaning tight.

“I’m Almost Done” When You Mean “I’m Almost Ready”

In English, “I’m almost done” can mean you’re about to walk out the door. In Spanish, the clean way is usually “ready,” not “finished.”

Ya casi estoy listo / Ya casi estoy lista

Use this when you’re getting dressed, packing, grabbing your stuff, or waiting on a ride. “Listo” changes with gender: “listo” for many men, “lista” for many women.

If you want to double-check the sense of “ready,” the RAE entry for “listo” includes “preparado” as a core meaning, which matches how people speak.

Me falta poco

This means “I’ve got a little left.” It’s friendly, and it doesn’t lock you into one task. You can use it for getting ready, finishing work, or completing errands.

Ya casi estoy

This is common in casual speech, especially when you’re on the way or you’re about to be available. It can mean “I’m almost there” or “I’m almost ready,” so context matters.

Polite Add-Ons That Buy You Time

Sometimes you want “I’m almost done” plus a tiny buffer. Spanish has softeners that sound natural and keep the tone kind.

Un segundo / Un momentito

These are small, everyday. They fit calls, chats, and face-to-face moments. “Un momentito” can feel warmer than “un momento,” which can sound firm if you clip it.

Dame un minuto

Use this with friends, family, or people you know well. It’s direct. In formal settings, “Dame” can feel a bit strong, so you might switch to “Un minuto, por favor.”

Ya te digo / Ya te aviso

These tell the other person you’ll update them. They work well when you’re unsure how long the last steps will take.

Common Situations And What To Say

Here are choices you can grab fast, without pausing to translate in your head.

At work

If you’re answering a coworker, “Ya casi termino” is clean and neutral. If the task is a report or a file, you can add the noun: “Ya casi termino el informe.”

If you’re dealing with a deadline, adding timing helps: “Ya casi termino; te lo mando en cinco.” It sets an expectation without sounding dramatic.

On a call

When someone’s waiting, short is better: “Ya termino.” If you need just a bit more, go with “Un momentito, ya casi termino.”

Getting ready to leave

Use “Ya casi estoy listo/lista.” If you’re packing or grabbing stuff, “Ya casi estoy” can work too, as long as the other person knows you’re talking about being ready.

Texting friends

Casual texts can be tiny: “Casi” or “Ya casi.” If you want a full line, “Ya casi acabo” is common and light.

Finishing food or a drink

If you’re at a table and someone’s waiting, “Ya casi acabo” fits well. It sounds natural when the “thing” you’re finishing is right in front of you.

Small Grammar Choices That Change The Feel

Spanish lets you tweak the tone with tiny moves. These don’t change the message, but they change how it lands.

“Ya” adds reassurance

“Ya” often signals “don’t worry, it’s happening.” That’s why “Ya casi termino” can feel kinder than “Casi termino.” When someone’s waiting, that little “ya” does real work.

Object or no object

If the other person knows what you’re doing, you can leave it implied: “Ya casi termino.” If they don’t, naming it avoids confusion: “Ya casi termino el correo.”

When “done” means “done with it”

English sometimes uses “I’m done” to mean you’ve had enough. Spanish often uses different phrasing for that, depending on tone. If you mean “I’m finished with this task,” stick with “Ya terminé” or “Ya acabé.” If you mean “I’m fed up,” that’s a separate idea and it deserves a separate sentence.

Phrase Pick Table For “Almost Done” Meanings

This table keeps the options straight when you’re choosing between finishing a task and being ready.

Spanish phrase	Best use	Tone note
Ya casi termino	Near the end of a task	Neutral, common, safe
Ya casi acabo	Near the end of a task	Casual-leaning in some places
Casi termino	Near the end of a task	Short, slightly flat
Ya termino	Finishing right now	Reassuring if said calmly
Ya casi estoy listo / lista	Getting ready to go	Best match for “ready”
Me falta poco	Task or getting ready	Warm, flexible
Un momentito, ya casi termino	Someone is waiting	Polite, buys time
Ya casi estoy	Almost ready / almost there	Casual, needs context
Ya voy terminando	Wrapping up step by step	Gentle, conversational

Ready-To-Use Lines You Can Copy

If you want full sentences you can drop into a chat, these patterns stay natural and clear. Swap the noun at the end to match what you’re doing.

When you’re finishing a task

• Ya casi termino y te lo mando.
• Ya casi acabo; me falta poco.
• Un momentito, ya casi termino esto.
• Ya termino, solo cierro esto y voy.

When you’re getting ready

• Ya casi estoy listo.
• Ya casi estoy lista; me falta poco.
• Ya casi estoy, salgo en un minuto.
• Ya voy; solo me pongo los zapatos.

Table For Picking The Best Phrase By Situation

Use this as a fast chooser when you don’t want to think about grammar in the moment.

Situation	Go-to phrase	Optional add-on
Coworker asks for an update	Ya casi termino	Te lo mando en cinco
You’re finishing a form online	Ya casi acabo	Un momentito
Someone waits at the door	Ya casi estoy listo/lista	Salgo ya
Friend texts “Where are you?”	Ya casi estoy	Llego en nada
You’re eating and they want to leave	Ya casi acabo	Dame un minuto
Call interruption	Ya termino	Un segundo
Finishing a message or email	Ya casi termino el correo	Te lo envío ya

Mini Self-Check Before You Say It

When you’re unsure, run this quick check in your head.

• If you’re finishing an action, use “termino” or “acabo.”
• If you’re getting ready, use “estoy listo/lista.”
• If someone’s waiting, add “ya” and keep your tone calm.
• If you can add the object (“el informe,” “la llamada,” “la cena”), clarity goes up fast.

One Last Note On Regional Flavor

Spanish varies by country, and these phrases still travel well. You might hear “Ya voy” used more in some places, or “Ahorita” used in others with its own timing vibe. If you stick to “Ya casi termino,” “Ya casi acabo,” and “Ya casi estoy listo/lista,” you’ll sound natural in almost any setting.