no cerrar la puerta con llave
/no θeraɾ la pweɾta kon ʝabe/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'do not lock the door' is translated into Spanish as no cerrar la puerta con llave.
This phrase is an instruction to leave a door unlocked using a key. It is important to note that in Spanish, to specifically say 'to lock' a door with a key, you use the phrase cerrar con llave. This is distinct from simply closing the door.
What does it mean word for word?
The component con llave literally means 'with key'. In Spanish, this is how you specify that a door is being locked with a key rather than just being shut.
Which one should you use?
The phrase no cerrar la puerta con llave specifically means 'do not lock the door'. This is different from no cerrar la puerta, which means 'do not close the door'.
How does it change in a sentence?
If you are giving a direct command to one person informally, you would use the imperative no cierres la puerta con llave.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using the verb bloquear to mean 'to lock' a door. In Spanish, bloquear means to block or obstruct a path, whereas cerrar con llave is the correct way to describe locking a door with a key.
Did you know?
- The word llave is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'clef', which is used in music to indicate the pitch of notes.
Examples in context
- María, por favor, no cierres la puerta con llave cuando salgas de casa. Voy a llegar un poco más tarde y quiero poder entrar sin problemas.María, please do not lock the door when you leave the house. I will arrive a bit later, and I want to be able to enter without any issues.
- ¡Chicos, no cierren la puerta con llave! Estoy por llegar y no quiero tener que tocar el timbre.Guys, do not lock the door! I'm about to arrive, and I don't want to have to ring the doorbell.
- Señor, le ruego que mantenga la puerta sin cerrar con llave durante el evento. Esto permitirá un acceso fluido al recinto.Sir, I kindly request that you keep the door unlocked during the event. This will allow smooth access to the premises.
- No cerrar la puerta con llave al salir.Do not lock the door with a key when leaving.
Example conversation
Sofía is leaving the house and talking to Alejandro.
- SofíaAlejandro, voy a salir un momento.Alejandro, I'm going out for a moment.
- AlejandroEstá bien, Sofía. ¿Cierras la puerta?That's fine, Sofía. Are you locking the door?
- SofíaNo, prefiero no cerrar la puerta con llave.No, I prefer not to lock the door.
- AlejandroDe acuerdo, yo me encargo de todo.Alright, I'll take care of everything.
