What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Por favor, cierre la puerta literally translates to "for favor, close the door".
Which one should you use?
The choice of verb form depends on who you are addressing. Use Por favor, cierre la puerta when using the formal usted and Por favor, cierra la puerta when using the informal tú. Additionally, if you are requesting that more than one person close the door, use the plural form Por favor, cierren la puerta.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions, particularly in Spain, it is common to use Por favor, puede cerrar la puerta instead of Por favor, puedes cerrar la puerta.
How does it change in a sentence?
The imperative form cierra is used for "you close" in informal settings. Specifically, use cierra instead of cierre when speaking to a friend, a family member or someone you address as tú.
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾ faˈboɾ ˈθjere la ˈpweɾta/
Did you know?
- The word puerta shares a common root with the English word 'port', as both originate from the Latin porta meaning 'gate'.
- While puerta is a door, the word cerrar can also be used to describe the act of finishing a business deal or 'closing' a sale, moving it beyond the physical object.
- In Spanish, there is a distinction between a standard door puerta and a portón, which refers specifically to the massive gates found in historic courtyards or estates.
Examples in context
- Por favor, cierre la puerta con cuidado.Please close the door quietly.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase Por favor, cierre la puerta while adding the instruction to do so quietly.Tatoeba #1036787 by hayastan, translation #272060 by CK
- Por favor, cierre la puerta tras de usted.Please close the door behind you.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase Por favor, cierre la puerta while adding the instruction to do so behind oneself.Tatoeba #2046946 by Shishir, translation #70688 by CK
- Señor, por favor, cierre la puerta.Sir, please close the door.
- Por favor, cierra la puerta.Please close the door.
- Por favor, cierre la puerta al salir.Please close the door when leaving.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier is working in an office and Sofía enters the room.
- JavierHola Sofía, ¿puedes ayudarme?Hello Sofía, can you help me?
- SofíaSí, claro. ¿Qué necesitas, Javier?Yes, of course. What do you need, Javier?
- JavierPor favor, cierre la puerta para tener privacidad.Please close the door for privacy.
- SofíaEstá bien, yo la cierro ahora.All right, I will close it now.
