Por favor, cierre la ventana
/poɾ faˈboɾ ˈθjere la benˈtana/word by word
In Spanish, 'please close the window' is said as Por favor, cierre la ventana.
This phrase is used to make a polite request for someone to shut a window.
What does it mean word for word?
In the phrase, la ventana means 'the window'. The word ventana is a feminine noun, which is why the feminine definite article la is used instead of the masculine el.
Which one should you use?
Additionally, the phrase Por favor, cierra la ventana can be reordered as Cierra la ventana, por favor without changing the meaning or the level of politeness.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the informal phrase Por favor, cierra la ventana, you should use it when speaking to someone you know well or someone who is younger than you.
How do you pronounce it?
/poɾ faˈboɾ ˈθjere la benˈtana/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to avoid a direct command like cierre la ventana and instead say tengo frío, meaning 'I am cold', to prompt the other person to close it.
- While cerrar means 'to close', the word cierre can also refer to a 'zipper' on clothing in many Spanish-speaking countries.
- The word ventana is derived from the Latin word ventus, meaning 'wind'. It literally describes a place where the wind enters.
Examples in context
- Por favor, cierre la ventana. Estamos sintiendo un poco de frío debido al aire que entra.Please close the window. We're feeling a bit cold because of the draught coming in.
- Oye, ¿puedes cerrar la ventana, por favor? No logramos escuchar bien la música con todo ese ruido.Hey, can you close the window, please? We can't hear the music well with all that noise.
- Hace frío, por favor, cierre la ventana.It is cold, please close the window.
- Por favor, cierre la ventana de la cocina.Please close the kitchen window.
Example conversation
Maria and Mateo are in an office during a storm.
- MaríaMateo, está empezando a llover.Mateo, it is starting to rain.
- MateoTienes razón, hay mucho viento.You are right, it is very windy.
- MaríaPor favor, cierre la ventana.Please close the window.
- MateoClaro que sí, María.Of course, Maria.
