Italian Phrase
Ho finito i compiti.
Meaning
‘I have finished the homework.’ The sentence tells the listener that a specific set of school assignments is now complete, emphasizing the result of a recent action.
When to use
Use this phrase right after you complete your schoolwork, when a teacher asks if you’re done, or when you want to let a friend know you’re free for other activities.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Hofinitoicompiti.
Auxiliary verb (avere)
In the passato prossimo, most transitive verbs use the auxiliary ‘avere’; here ‘ho’ is the first‑person singular present of ‘avere’.
Past participle agreement
When ‘avere’ is the auxiliary, the past participle does NOT agree with the direct object unless a pronoun precedes it.
Definite article
‘i’ is the masculine plural definite article, matching the noun ‘compiti’ (homework, plural).
Passato prossimo usage
Use the passato prossimo to talk about actions that have just been completed in the recent past.
🗨In Conversation
Hai finito i compiti?
Did you finish the homework?
Sì, ho finito i compiti.
Yes, I have finished the homework.
✕Common Mistakes
Sono finito i compiti.
‘Finire’ uses ‘avere’ as the auxiliary in the passato prossimo; ‘sono finito’ would be correct only with a reflexive or intransitive sense.
Ho finita i compiti.
When ‘avere’ is the auxiliary, the past participle does not agree with the noun unless a preceding pronoun forces agreement.
Ho finito compiti.
The definite article is required; dropping it sounds unnatural.
↔Alternatives
Ho completato i compiti.
I have completed the homework.
I compiti sono finiti.
The homework is finished.
Ho terminato i compiti.
I have finished the homework.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, homework (i compiti) is a daily routine for many students. It’s common to discuss whether you’ve finished them before going out with friends. Remember that the passato prossimo (ho finito) is preferred for actions that have just been completed, while the imperfetto (finivo) would describe an ongoing or habitual past activity.