How to say “The machine finished already” in Portuguese

Introduction

Learn how to say the simple, practical sentence The machine finished already in Brazilian Portuguese and use it naturally in everyday situations. This guide explains vocabulary, grammar, common alternatives, pronunciation tips, short dialogues, and real-life examples for beginners.

Core phrase: How to say it

The most direct way to say The machine finished already in Brazilian Portuguese is A máquina já terminou.

Breakdown:

A máquina = the machine (feminine noun)

já = already

terminou = finished, past tense of terminar

Why this phrasing works

In Brazilian Portuguese, the subject often includes the definite article. Máquina is a feminine noun, so we use a. Já signals that the action is completed before now. Terminou is the third person singular in the simple past (pretérito perfeito), which is the normal choice to say something finished.

Useful vocabulary for related contexts

máquina = machine

lavadora = washing machine

secadora = dryer

impressora = printer

fogão = stove

micro-ondas = microwave

acabou = ended, ran out (another common way to say finished)

pronto = ready

ligada = turned on (feminine)

desligada = turned off (feminine)

Alternative natural sentences

If you want some variety, here are alternatives you will hear in Brazil:

A máquina já acabou

A máquina está pronta

Terminaram as máquinas – when referring to multiple machines

A máquina parou – the machine stopped (could imply finished or broken)

When to use each alternative

A máquina já acabou is casual and common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese. Use it for devices like a washer or dryer that finish cycles.

A máquina está pronta emphasizes readiness, useful for a printer or coffee machine when output is ready to collect.

A máquina parou can be ambiguous: it might mean the cycle finished or that the machine stopped due to a problem. If you mean finished, better use terminou or acabou.

Pronunciation tips

Pronounce A máquina já terminou slowly at first:

A = ah

máquina = MAH-kee-nah (stress on MAH)

já = jah (soft ʒ sound like the s in pleasure)

terminou = ter-mee-NOH (stress on NOH)

Combine naturally: AH MAH-kee-nah jah ter-mee-NOH. Brazilian Portuguese is syllable-timed and generally smooth; avoid too many pauses.

Polite and formal variations

In a polite or formal setting such as speaking to a clerk, receptionist, or technician, add a softener:

A máquina já terminou, senhor? or A máquina já terminou, senhora? – using sir/ma’am to ask for confirmation politely.

You can also phrase as a polite statement: A máquina já terminou, pode retirar? = The machine finished already, may I remove it?

Short dialogues for common situations

Laundry room dialog

Pessoa A: A máquina já terminou?

Pessoa B: Sim, já. Vou pegar agora.

Translation: Person A: Did the machine finish already? Person B: Yes, already. I’ll get it now.

Office printer dialog

Funcionário: A impressora já terminou?

Recepcionista: Terminou, os documentos estão na bandeja.

Translation: Employee: Has the printer finished already? Receptionist: It finished, the documents are in the tray.

Café machine dialog

Cliente: A máquina de café já terminou?

Barista: Já, seu café está pronto.

Translation: Customer: Has the coffee machine finished already? Barista: Yes, your coffee is ready.

Practical examples by context

Laundry

When the washing machine completes a cycle at a laundromat, say A máquina já terminou, posso tirar as roupas? This asks permission to remove clothes and is polite in a shared space.

Apartment building shared laundry

If someone left clothes in a machine, you might say Ei, sua máquina já terminou, você pode retirar as roupas? This is a friendly way to ask the owner to collect their laundry.

Office equipment

At work, after sending print jobs, check with a colleague: A impressora já terminou a impressão? If yes, they can collect pages from the output tray.

Kitchen appliances

For a microwave or oven: O micro-ondas já terminou? or O forno já terminou de assar? These adapt the main phrase to common kitchen machines; note use of masculine article o for micro-ondas and forno.

Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them

Incorrect article gender

Beginners sometimes say O máquina já terminou. Remember máquina is feminine, so use A máquina.

Using present tense by mistake

Saying A máquina termina agora implies a habitual or future action rather than completed action. Use terminou or acabou for past completion.

Confusing acabar and terminar

Both words work, but acabar can also mean to run out. If you say A máquina acabou, some speakers might interpret as the machine is out of service. To be clear that a cycle finished, prefer A máquina já terminou or A máquina já acabou depending on context.

Quick grammar notes for beginners

Pretérito perfeito (simple past) for regular -ar verbs: root + -ou for third person singular. Terminar becomes terminou. This is the standard tense to say something finished at a specific time.

Position of já

Já usually goes before the verb in simple sentences: A máquina já terminou. You can also place já before the subject for emphasis in some contexts, but the typical order for beginners is subject + já + verb.

Extra short phrases and replies to keep handy

Responses you might hear:

Sim, terminou

Não, ainda não

Está pronta

Está pronta para retirar

Short questions you can use:

A máquina terminou?

A máquina já acabou?

Posso tirar?

Beginner tips to sound natural

Use contractions and natural tempo. Brazilians often connect words, so practice saying A máquina já terminou in one smooth phrase rather than three separate words.

Listen for the soft ʒ in já and the stress on the final syllable of terminou. Mimic short dialogues from real situations such as laundry or office environments.

When unsure of gender, check the noun or listen to native speakers; many appliance words like lavadora, máquina, secadora are feminine.

Mini practice scenario

Imagine you are in a laundromat and someone asks about your load. A simple exchange:

Pessoa: A máquina já terminou?

Você: Sim, terminou agora. Vou tirar.

Helpful translation: Person: Has the machine finished already? You: Yes, it finished now. I’ll remove it.

Conclusion

Mastering the phrase A máquina já terminou will help you communicate clearly in laundry rooms, offices, kitchens, and service settings. Remember the article gender, use terminou for completed actions, and practice short dialogues to sound natural. With these simple alternatives and tips you will be ready to use this phrase confidently in Brazilian Portuguese everyday situations.