Spanish Phrase
¿Cuándo termina el cole?
Meaning
Literally, “When does the school end?” It can refer to the end of the school day, the end of a class period, or the end of the academic term, depending on context.
When to use
Use this informal question when you’re talking with classmates, friends, or family about school schedules. It’s not appropriate for formal written communication or when speaking to teachers you don’t know well.
✦Grammar Breakdown
¿Cuándoterminaelcole?
¿Cuándo?
Interrogative adverb of time; always carries an accent to differentiate from 'cuando' (when/whenever).
termina
Third‑person singular present indicative of 'terminar' (to finish/end).
el
Definite article; agrees in gender with the noun that follows.
cole
Colloquial abbreviation of 'colegio' (school). Common in informal speech, especially among children and teens.
🗨In Conversation
¿Cuándo termina el cole?
When does school end?
El cole termina a las tres de la tarde.
School ends at three p.m.
✕Common Mistakes
Cuando termina el cole?
Missing the accent changes the meaning; 'cuando' without accent is a conjunction, not an interrogative.
¿Cuándo termina el colegio?
While correct, it sounds formal; using 'el cole' matches the informal tone of the original phrase.
¿Cuándo termina la cole?
Cole is masculine; the article must be 'el', not 'la'.
↔Alternatives
¿A qué hora acaba la escuela?
What time does school finish?
¿Cuándo finaliza el curso?
When does the term finish?
¿Cuándo termina el colegio?
When does the school end?
Cultural Tip
In Spain and many Latin‑American countries, "el cole" is a friendly, informal way to refer to primary or secondary school. It’s rarely used in formal contexts or with teachers you don’t know well. The school year typically ends in late June, but the phrase can also be used to ask about the end of a particular school day or a specific class.