Portuguese Phrase
Acabou a pasta de dente?
Meaning
This phrase literally translates to "Finished the toothpaste?" or "Is the toothpaste finished?". It's a very common and natural way to inquire if a supply of something, especially a consumable household item, has run out. The verb "acabar" (to finish/end) is used impersonally here, implying the item itself has run out.
When to use
You would use this phrase when you notice a common household item, like toothpaste, coffee, milk, or toilet paper, is missing or empty. It's typically asked to someone else in the household to confirm if it's truly gone or if they know its status. This is a casual, everyday question.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Acabouapastadedente?
Acabou (Acabar)
This is the third-person singular past tense of the verb 'acabar' (to finish/end). When used impersonally with an object, as in this phrase, it means 'ran out of' or 'is finished' in the sense of a supply being depleted.
a pasta de dente
'A pasta' means 'the paste,' and 'de dente' means 'of tooth,' forming the compound noun 'toothpaste.' 'A' is the feminine definite article, agreeing with 'pasta'.
Impersonal Usage
The construction 'Acabou [item]?' is a very natural and common way in Portuguese to ask if a supply of something has run out, without specifying who finished it. It focuses on the state of the item rather than the agent.
🗨In Conversation
Acabou a pasta de dente?
Did we run out of toothpaste?
Sim, acho que sim. Preciso comprar mais.
Yes, I think so. I need to buy more.
✕Common Mistakes
A pasta de dente está acabada?
While grammatically possible, 'acabou a pasta de dente?' is much more natural and common for consumables running out. 'Estar acabada' might imply something is worn out or destroyed, not just consumed.
Nós corremos para fora de pasta de dente?
This is a literal, incorrect translation of 'run out of'. Portuguese uses 'acabar' for this concept.
Acabei a pasta de dente?
Using 'Acabei' (first-person singular) implies 'I finished the toothpaste' intentionally, rather than it simply running out. The impersonal 'Acabou' is preferred when the item itself is gone.
↔Alternatives
Não tem mais pasta de dente?
There isn't any more toothpaste?
A pasta de dente acabou?
Is the toothpaste finished?
Cadê a pasta de dente?
Where's the toothpaste?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, it's very common to use the verb 'acabar' impersonally like this for things running out. It's a polite and indirect way to point out a lack of something without directly accusing anyone of finishing it. This type of question is frequently asked among family members or housemates, reflecting a shared responsibility for household supplies.