mantenga la puerta cerrada
/mantenɡa la pweɾta θerada/from spelling rules
The English phrase "keep door closed" is translated into Spanish as mantenga la puerta cerrada.
This phrase is used to request or command that a door remains shut. You will commonly see this written on signs in businesses or residential buildings to prevent drafts or noise.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of mantenga (keep/maintain), la puerta (the door) and cerrada (closed).
Which one should you use?
If you are addressing more than one person, use mantengan la puerta cerrada.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective cerrada must agree in gender and number with puerta, which is feminine and singular. When addressing a single person informally, use mantén la puerta cerrada.
How do you pronounce it?
/mantenɡa la pweɾta θerada/
Did you know?
- The word puerta is part of the idiomatic expression dar puerta, which figuratively means to 'dismiss' or 'fire' someone from their position.
- In Spanish business contexts, the verb cerrar is used to mean 'to finalize' or 'to wrap up' a deal, extending the concept of closing a door to the world of commerce.
- The Spanish word puerta shares a common ancestor with the English word 'port' and the Latin 'porta', which both relate to a gateway or entrance.
Examples in context
- Por favor, mantenga la puerta cerrada.Please, keep the door closed.
- Mantenga la puerta cerrada por el aire acondicionado.Keep the door closed because of the air conditioning.
- Si entra el frío, mantenga la puerta cerrada.If the cold comes in, keep the door closed.
Example conversation
Elena is working in a shop and Alejandro is a customer.
- AlejandroHola, ¿puedo entrar?Hello, can I come in?
- ElenaSí, pero mantenga la puerta cerrada para evitar el ruido.Yes, but keep the door closed to avoid the noise.
- AlejandroEntendido, lo haré.Understood, I will do it.
- ElenaMuchas gracias.Thank you very much.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, puerta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
