Spanish Phrase
Vamos a ultimar los detalles.
Meaning
This phrase means to put the finishing touches on something, to make sure all small aspects are covered and agreed upon before a final decision or action. It implies a thorough review and completion of all minor points, ensuring everything is in order.
When to use
Use this phrase when you're nearing the end of a planning process for an event, project, or agreement, and you need to discuss and confirm the remaining small but important elements. It's common in professional settings, event planning, or when making travel arrangements.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Vamos aultimarlos detalles
Ir a + infinitive
This construction ('ir a' + infinitive) is used to express future actions, similar to 'to be going to' in English. 'Vamos a' means 'we are going to'.
Ultimar
The verb 'ultimar' means 'to finalize,' 'to put the finishing touches on,' or 'to complete the last details.' It comes from 'último' (last), emphasizing the finality of the action.
Los detalles
'Los detalles' means 'the details.' 'Detalle' is a masculine noun, so it takes the masculine plural definite article 'los'. It refers to the specific, smaller points of a plan or agreement.
🗨In Conversation
La reunión fue productiva, pero aún nos falta algo.
The meeting was productive, but we still need something.
Sí, vamos a ultimar los detalles mañana por la mañana.
Yes, we are going to finalize the details tomorrow morning.
✕Common Mistakes
Vamos a terminar los detalles.
While 'terminar' means 'to finish,' 'ultimar' specifically implies finalizing the *last* details, giving a more precise meaning of completion and attention to final specifics.
Vamos a finalizar los detalles.
Although 'finalizar' is close, 'ultimar' is more idiomatic and commonly used in Spanish for 'to finalize the last details' or 'to put the finishing touches on something'.
↔Alternatives
Vamos a cerrar los detalles.
We are going to close the details.
Vamos a concretar los detalles.
We are going to concretize the details.
Vamos a repasar los últimos puntos.
We are going to review the last points.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the process of 'ultimar los detalles' can involve more discussion and consensus-building than in some other cultures. It's often a a collaborative effort to ensure everyone is on the same page, and it might take a bit longer than expected. Punctuality for these meetings is appreciated, but the meeting itself might be flexible.