más cerca
/mas θeɾka/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'closer' is translated into Spanish as más cerca.
Más cerca is used to describe physical or metaphorical distance, whereas más cercano is the adjective used to describe a person or thing being 'closer' in terms of relationship or proximity (e.g., 'a closer friend').
Meaning: Translations (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of más (more) and cerca (near/close).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, the term cerquita is used in informal settings to convey a sense of nearness or closeness.
How does it change in a sentence?
When saying 'closer to' a noun or pronoun, you must include the preposition de after más cerca.
How do you pronounce it?
/mas θeɾka/
Did you know?
- While más cerca describes distance, the word cerca can also mean 'fence' in Spanish, as it is derived from the verb cercar meaning 'to enclose'.
- The word cerca shares a common ancestor with the English word 'circa', which is why both words carry a sense of being 'around' a specific point or distance.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, adding the suffix -ita to create cerquita does not just mean 'very close', but is often used to make a request sound more polite or affectionate.
Examples in context
- Mira desde más cerca.Look closer.This example shows how to use más cerca to suggest looking at something from a closer distance.Tatoeba #4960547 by albrusgher, translation #2111607 by CK
- Estoy un paso más cerca de mi meta.I'm one step closer to my goal.This sentence uses más cerca to describe being one step closer to a goal.Tatoeba #5969408 by arh, translation #7112511 by CM
- Está más cerca de esto que del otro.It's closer to this than the other one.This sentence demonstrates the use of más cerca with the preposition de to compare proximity.Tatoeba #10091050 by manufrutos, translation #10088416 by shekitten
- 18 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are looking at a small object on a table.
- JavierNo puedo verlo bien.I cannot see it well.
- MaríaAcércate, pon la silla más cerca.Come closer, put the chair closer.
- JavierAsí, ¿estoy más cerca?Like this, am I closer?
- MaríaSí, ahora sí se ve.Yes, now it can be seen.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cerca, más, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
