Are you looking to expand your Spanish vocabulary? Learning how to say “close” in Spanish is a valuable skill that will help you communicate effectively in various situations. Whether you want to close a door, a store, or even a deal, this guide will provide you with formal and informal ways to express the concept of “close” in Spanish. Let’s dive into it!
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Formal Ways to Say “Close” in Spanish
When it comes to formal situations, such as business settings or interactions with strangers, using the appropriate language is crucial. Here are some formal options to express “close” in Spanish:
1. Cerrar
The most common and straightforward term for “close” is “cerrar.” It can refer to closing a door, window, or any physical object. Let’s see some examples:
Por favor, cierra la puerta al salir. (Please close the door when you leave.)
El supermercado cierra a las diez de la noche. (The supermarket closes at ten o’clock at night.)
2. Concluir
If you want to convey the idea of closing or concluding a conversation, meeting, or event, you can use the verb “concluir.” It adds a level of formality and is often used in professional contexts:
La reunión ha concluido. (The meeting has concluded.)
Por favor, concluyan sus presentaciones antes de las tres. (Please conclude your presentations before three o’clock.)
Informal Ways to Say “Close” in Spanish
Informal language is commonly used among friends, family, and in casual situations. Here are some options to say “close” informally:
1. Cerrar
Just like the formal version, “cerrar” can also be used in an informal context. For example:
Cierra la ventana, hace mucho frío afuera. (Close the window, it’s really cold outside.)
No vuelvas a cerrar el negocio sin avisarme. (Don’t close the shop again without letting me know.)
2. Echar el cierre
A more colloquial way to express “close” is by using the phrase “echar el cierre.” This expression is commonly used to refer to closing a store, business, or any establishment:
Ya es tarde, voy a echar el cierre del restaurante. (It’s late, I’m going to close the restaurant.)
Ayer el bar echaron el cierre más temprano de lo habitual. (Yesterday, the bar closed earlier than usual.)
Regional Variations
While Spanish is spoken in numerous countries, the differences in vocabulary and expressions across regions can be fascinating. Here are a couple of regional variations:
1. Colombia: Cerrar Herméticamente
In Colombia, a common phrase to say “close tightly” or “seal tightly” is “cerrar herméticamente.” This expression is often used when sealing containers or keeping things airtight or watertight:
Asegúrate de cerrar herméticamente el frasco para que la comida se conserve. (Make sure to seal the jar tightly so the food stays fresh.)
No olvides cerrar herméticamente la nevera para evitar que se escape el frío. (Don’t forget to close the refrigerator tightly to prevent the cold from escaping.)
2. Spain: Clausurado
In Spain, you may come across the word “clausurado,” which means “closed” or “shut down.” It is commonly used to indicate that a business is permanently closed or temporarily unavailable:
El restaurante está clausurado por reformas. (The restaurant is closed for renovations.)
La tienda de ropa cerró y ahora está clausurada. (The clothing store closed and is now shut down.)
Conclusion
Congratulations on expanding your vocabulary with different ways to say “close” in Spanish! You have learned the formal and informal options, as well as some regional variations. Remember, using the appropriate term based on the context and level of formality is crucial. Practice these expressions in conversations or written exercises to reinforce your learning.
Whether you choose to use “cerrar” in formal or informal settings, “concluir” to indicate the end of a conversation, or “echar el cierre” to talk about closing a store, you are now well-equipped to express the concept of “close” in Spanish. ¡Buena suerte!
