cerrar la brecha
/θeraɾ la bɾet͡ʃa/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'bridging the gap' is translated into Spanish as cerrar la brecha.
This phrase is used to describe the act of reducing the difference or distance between two groups of people or two different ideas. While English uses the metaphor of 'bridging' (building a bridge), Spanish uses the metaphor of 'closing' (eliminating the gap).
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase cerrar la brecha literally translates to 'to close the gap'.
Which one should you use?
You can also use acortar la distancia to mean 'to shorten the distance', which is a common alternative used when referring to reducing the gap between two points or concepts.
How do you pronounce it?
/θeraɾ la bɾetʃa/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word brecha can also describe a physical gash or a cut in the skin, which adds a visceral quality to the metaphor of 'closing' a gap.
- The verb cerrar comes from the Latin word sera, which refers to a bolt or cross-bar. This implies that 'closing the gap' in Spanish originally evokes the image of locking a door.
Examples in context
- El programa de intercambio académico busca acortar la brecha entre culturas.The academic exchange program aims to bridge the gap between cultures.
- El proyecto busca cerrar la distancia entre el gobierno y la ciudadanía.The project seeks to bridge the gap between the government and the citizens.
- El objetivo del taller es superar las diferencias culturales y encontrar puntos de encuentro.The aim of the workshop is to bridge cultural differences and find common ground.
- Después de algunas conversaciones, logramos ponernos en sintonía.After some conversations, we managed to bridge the gap.
- Vamos a intentar acercar posturas y encontrar soluciones en común.Let's try to bridge the gap and find common solutions.
- Si nos esforzamos en entendernos mutuamente, podremos acortar la brecha entre nosotros.If we make an effort to understand each other mutually, we can bridge the gap between us.
- Es necesario cerrar la brecha generacional.It is necessary to bridge the generation gap.
- Necesitamos cerrar la brecha entre los dos equipos.We need to bridge the gap between the two teams.
- Su proyecto busca cerrar la brecha generacional.His project seeks to bridge the generational gap.
- El diálogo ayudará a cerrar la brecha de comunicación.Dialogue will help bridge the communication gap.
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing social issues at a cafe.
- ElenaHay mucha desigualdad en el acceso a la educación.There is a lot of inequality in access to education.
- MateoSí, necesitamos cerrar la brecha educativa pronto.Yes, we need to bridge the educational gap soon.
- Elena¿Crees que el gobierno puede ayudar en esto?Do you think the government can help with this?
- MateoCreo que es la única forma de lograrlo, Elena.I think it is the only way to achieve it, Elena.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries brecha, cerrar, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
