cerca
/ˈθeɾka/
The Spanish word cerca can mean a fence used to enclose an area of land or the adverb meaning near or close.
When used as a noun, cerca refers to a fence or enclosure for land. As an adverb, it describes something that is near or close in proximity.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, particularly in Andalusia, the informal expression a tiro de piedra (literally 'a throw of a stone') is used to indicate close proximity. In Latin American countries such as Mexico, Argentina or Colombia, the informal words pegado or pegada are common ways to say something is close by or beside.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈθeɾka/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word cerca meaning 'near' is a direct relative of the English word 'circa' used in dates to mean 'approximately'.
- The noun cerca is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'circuit'. Both derive from the Latin 'circus' and share the core idea of a boundary or a circle.
- While cerca as a noun means 'a fence', the related verb cercar can be used in a metaphorical sense. It is often used to describe the act of 'surrounding' or 'trapping' a person, much like an enclosure traps an animal.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría un hotel cerca del aeropuerto.I would like a hotel near the airport.
- Vivo cerquita de aquí, a solo dos cuadras.I live very close to here, just two blocks away.
- El restaurante está a tiro de piedra de aquí.The restaurant is a stone's throw away from here.
- La tienda está pegada a la escuela.The store is right beside the school.
- La cerca de madera es muy vieja.The wooden fence is very old.
- Pintamos la cerca de color blanco.We painted the fence white.
- El perro saltó la cerca del jardín.The dog jumped over the garden fence.
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are in their backyard looking at the property line.
- Javier¿Debemos reparar la cerca?Should we repair the fence?
- SofíaSí, la cerca necesita pintura nueva.Yes, the fence needs new paint.
- JavierYo compraré los materiales mañana.I will buy the materials tomorrow.
- SofíaPerfecto, yo te ayudaré con el trabajo.Perfect, I will help you with the work.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cerca, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cerca, CC BY-SA 4.0.
