Lael logo

cerrar means to close — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: July 31, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

cerrar

verb • /[seh-RAR]/

to close

Example:

No olvides cerrar la puerta al salir.

Don't forget to close the door when leaving.

🔍 See more essential spanish words

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store

🧠 What does cerrar mean?

The Spanish verb "cerrar" means "to close" in English. It's used for closing physical things like doors, windows, books, or boxes, as well as abstract things like deals, accounts, or even a chapter in your life. It's a regular -ar verb, which makes it relatively straightforward to conjugate.

📚 Extra examples

  • Cierra la puerta, por favor.
    Close the door, please.
  • Voy a cerrar la ventana porque hace frío.
    I'm going to close the window because it's cold.
  • Ella cerró el libro con un suspiro.
    She closed the book with a sigh.
  • Cerramos el trato ayer.
    We closed the deal yesterday.
  • Necesito cerrar mi cuenta de banco.
    I need to close my bank account.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'to close' in Spanish?
The Spanish word for 'to close' is "cerrar".
How do you pronounce 'cerrar' in Spanish?
It's pronounced seh-RRAR, with the emphasis on the second syllable. The double 'r' is a rolled or tapped 'r' sound.
How do you use 'cerrar' in a sentence?
You can use "cerrar" like this: "Cierra la puerta" (Close the door). Remember to conjugate it according to the subject of the sentence.
What is the English translation of 'cerrar'?
The English translation of 'cerrar' is 'to close'.
Does 'cerrar' change for gender or number?
No, 'cerrar' itself doesn't change for gender. However, like all verbs, it conjugates according to the subject's person and number (I close, you close, he/she/it closes, we close, they close).
Is 'cerrar' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, "cerrar" is a very common verb used in everyday conversations.
Does 'cerrar' have slang or double meanings?
While 'cerrar' primarily means 'to close,' it can sometimes have a figurative meaning, like 'to conclude' or 'to finish something.' In some contexts, it can also refer to closing a wound or injury. These aren't slang, but rather slightly nuanced uses of the word.
Is 'cerrar' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The meaning and usage of "cerrar" are generally consistent across Spain and Latin America.
How do you conjugate 'cerrar' in Spanish?
Here's the present tense conjugation: Yo cierro Tú cierras Él/Ella/Usted cierra Nosotros/as cerramos Vosotros/as cerráis Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes cierran

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "cerrar"

Synonyms: clausurar, tapar
Opposites: abrir

💡 Did You Know?

The opposite of "cerrar" is "abrir", which means "to open".

📱 Download the App

Get reminders · Save favorites · Share words

Lael App Logo

Lael: Spanish Word of the Day

Download on the App Store