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cerca means near — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: August 13, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

cerca

adverb • /[SER-ka]/

near

Example:

El banco está cerca de mi casa.

The bank is near my house.

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🧠 What does cerca mean?

The Spanish word 'cerca' means 'near' or 'close by.' It's an adverb, so it describes a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. It tells you *where* something happens or *how* close something is. Think of it as indicating proximity. You'll use it frequently when talking about locations or distances.

📚 Extra examples

  • El supermercado está cerca.
    The supermarket is nearby.
  • Vivo cerca del parque.
    I live near the park.
  • Ella se sentó cerca de mí.
    She sat close to me.
  • Estaban cerca de encontrar la solución.
    They were close to finding the solution.
  • Pasamos cerca de la playa.
    We passed close to the beach.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'near' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'near' in Spanish is 'cerca.'
How do you pronounce 'cerca' in Spanish?
It's pronounced 'SER-kah,' with the emphasis on the first syllable. The 'c' is pronounced like the 'c' in 'car.'
How do you use 'cerca' in a sentence?
You can use 'cerca' after a verb, like 'Vivo cerca' (I live nearby), or with the preposition 'de' to specify what something is close *to*, like 'cerca de la playa' (near the beach).
What is the English translation of 'cerca'?
The English translation of 'cerca' is 'near' or 'close by.'
Does 'cerca' change for gender or number?
No, 'cerca' is an adverb and doesn't change its form.
Is 'cerca' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'cerca' is a very common word in everyday Spanish conversations.
Does 'cerca' have slang or double meanings?
No, 'cerca' doesn't have any slang or double meanings. It's a straightforward word.
Is 'cerca' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, 'cerca' is used the same way in both Spain and Latin America.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "cerca"

Synonyms: cercano, próximo
Opposites: lejos, distante

💡 Did You Know?

While 'cerca' means near, 'cercano' and 'próximo' also mean near but can be used as adjectives. For example, 'un restaurante cercano' (a nearby restaurant).

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