estamos cerrados
/estamos θerados/from spelling rules
estamos cerrados is the Spanish way to say "we are closed".
This phrase is used to communicate a temporary business status, such as being closed for the night or for a holiday. It indicates that a business is not currently open for customers.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of estamos (we are) and cerrados (closed).
How does it change in a sentence?
Because estamos implies a group of people or a business entity, the adjective cerrados is typically used in the masculine plural form. However, if the business is exclusively run by women or is a feminine noun like la tienda (the shop), one might use the feminine plural estamos cerradas.
How do you pronounce it?
/estamos θerados/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Using somos cerrados would incorrectly imply that the people themselves are "closed-minded".
Did you know?
- While estamos cerrados is used for businesses, the word cerrado is also used in sports to describe a game that is very close and competitive.
- The word cerrado can be used to describe a person's personality. While estamos cerrados refers to a business, calling someone cerrado means they are stubborn or unwilling to listen to new ideas.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, a business might display a simple hand-written sign rather than professional printed signage to indicate they are closed.
Examples in context
- Estamos cerrados hasta nuevo aviso.We are closed until further notice.This sentence is useful for stating that the closed status remains in effect until a new notice is provided using estamos cerrados.Tatoeba #10576514 by DJ_Saidez, translation #8658144 by Smoky
- Lo siento, hoy estamos cerrados.I'm sorry, we are closed today.
- Ya no atendemos, estamos cerrados.We are not serving anymore, we are closed.
Example conversation
A customer approaches a small shop near closing time.
- María¿Todavía pueden atenderme?Can you still help me?
- MateoNo, lo siento, ya estamos cerrados.No, I'm sorry, we are already closed.
- MaríaEntiendo, volveré mañana.I understand, I will come back tomorrow.
- MateoGracias, que tenga un buen día.Thank you, have a good day.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
