Spanish Phrase
Acabo de empezar un libro nuevo.
Meaning
I have just started a new book. The phrase uses the present perfect of 'acabar' to highlight that the action happened moments ago, emphasizing the freshness of the activity.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to tell someone that you’ve recently begun reading a new book, whether in a casual chat, a book‑club discussion, or a social‑media post about your reading habits.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Acabodeempezarunlibronuevo
Acabo de + infinitivo
The construction 'acabar de' + infinitive expresses that something has just happened, similar to 'just' in English.
Infinitive after 'acabo de'
After 'acabo de', the verb stays in its infinitive form (empezar), not conjugated.
Adjective placement
In Spanish, most adjectives (like 'nuevo') follow the noun they modify: 'libro nuevo'.
Indefinite article 'un'
When talking about an unspecified book, use the masculine singular article 'un'.
🗨In Conversation
Acabo de empezar un libro nuevo.
I just started a new book.
¡Qué bien! ¿De qué trata?
Nice! What’s it about?
✕Common Mistakes
Acabo empezar un libro nuevo.
After 'acabo' you must include the preposition 'de' and keep the verb in infinitive.
Acabo de empezado un libro nuevo.
Do not conjugate the second verb; it must stay infinitive.
Acabo de empezar un libro nueva.
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun; 'libro' is masculine, so use 'nuevo'.
↔Alternatives
Recién comencé a leer un libro nuevo.
I just began reading a new book.
Acabo de iniciar la lectura de un libro nuevo.
I have just started reading a new book.
Empecé hace un momento un libro nuevo.
I started a new book a moment ago.
Cultural Tip
Spanish speakers love to share what they’re reading, especially in informal gatherings or on social media. Using 'acabo de' signals immediacy and often invites the listener to ask for details about the book. Remember that 'nuevo' follows the noun, but you can also place it before for emphasis (e.g., 'un nuevo libro') when you want to highlight the novelty more strongly.