cerrar
/θeˈraɾ/
The English verb 'close' (as in moving a door) is translated to Spanish as cerrar. Wiktionary also lists correr.
Meaning: move (a door) (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| cerrar | /θeˈraɾ/ /seˈraɾ/ |
| correr | /koˈreɾ/ |
The verb cerrar is used to describe the action of moving something, such as a door, to a closed position. When you want to express the concept of being 'close' in a formal context, you may use cercano.
Which one should you use?
While cerrar is the verb used for the action of closing, the word cierre is a noun used to refer to a 'closing' or 'closure'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb cerrar is a stem-changing verb. In many present tense forms, the 'e' changes to 'ie', such as in the form cierre.
How do you pronounce it?
/θeˈraɾ/
Did you know?
- While cerrar is the standard word for 'close', the word correr literally means 'to run'. In certain contexts, such as closing curtains or blinds, Spanish speakers use correr to describe the sliding motion.
- The verb cerrar is used in a common idiom cerrar el pico, which translates literally to 'close the beak'. It is the Spanish equivalent of telling someone to 'shut up'.
- In Spanish, the word cierre refers to more than just a 'closure'. It is the standard word for a 'zipper' on clothing, treating the zipper as a tool that closes a gap.
Examples in context
- Oí cerrarse la puerta.I heard the door close.This sentence uses the form cerrar.Tatoeba #591725 by Shishir, translation #39100 by CK
- ¿Puedes cerrar la puerta?Can you close the door?Tatoeba #1415462 by Shishir, translation #2309227 by Hybrid
- ¿Puedo cerrar la ventana?May I close the window?Tatoeba #1745904 by marcelostockle, translation #1740465 by Amastan
- El parque está cerca.The park is close.
- El supermercado está cercita.The supermarket is close.
- La tienda está cerca del banco.The store is close to the bank
- El café está cerca de aquí.The café is close by
- La playa está realmente cerca.The beach is really close
- 64 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are in the living room.
- JavierNo olvides cerrar la puerta.Don't forget to close the door.
- MaríaEstá bien, la voy a cerrar.Okay, I am going to close it.
- JavierGracias, María.Thank you, María.
- MaríaDe nada, Javier.You're welcome, Javier.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “close” translations and entries cerrar, correr, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
