Cierra
/θjera/from spelling rules
Cierra is the Spanish imperative form for the English phrase "shut" or "close".
Cierra is used to give a direct command to a single person to shut or close something. It is a conjugated form of the infinitive verb cerrar.
Which one should you use?
While cierra is a command, cierras is the indicative form used for making statements such as "you close". If you are addressing a group of people or using a formal tone, you should use cierren or cierre instead of cierra.
How does it change in a sentence?
Cierra is the imperative used for commands directed at one person (tú). It is derived from the infinitive verb cerrar.
How do you pronounce it?
/θjera/
Did you know?
- The word cierre is the noun form of the verb cerrar and refers to anything that closes, including a 'zipper' on clothing or the 'closing' ceremony of an event.
- In Spanish, the phrase cerrar la boca can be used as a harsh way to tell someone to 'shut up' or stop talking, similar to the English 'shut your mouth'.
- While English uses 'close' for many things, in Spanish, if you want to say someone is 'close' to a destination, you must use cerca, as using a form of cerrar would incorrectly imply a physical shutting motion.
Examples in context
- Cierra la ventana, por favor.Close the window, please.
- Cierra la puerta al salir.Close the door when you leave.
- Cierra el libro ahora mismo.Close the book right now.
Example conversation
Elena is studying in the living room and Mateo enters.
- MateoElena, cierra la puerta.Elena, close the door.
- Elena¿Por qué la cierro?Why should I close it?
- MateoHay mucho ruido afuera.It is very noisy outside.
- ElenaEstá bien, la cierro.Okay, I'll close it.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
