Forgetting the Stem Change

The vowel 'e' in the verb's root changes to 'ie' in most forms of the present tense (like 'cierro,' 'cierras,' 'cierra'), but NOT in the 'nosotros' or 'vosotros' forms ('cerramos,' 'cerráis').

Stem-Change Rule

To talk about ending an era or a job, Spanish often uses 'se cierra' (it closes itself): 'Se cierra un capítulo en mi vida' (A chapter in my life closes).

Use with Reflexive Verbs

Extremely common. Used when stating what 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or 'you (formal)' does in the present moment.

Confusing Positive and Negative Commands

This command form ('cierra') is used when you are giving a positive instruction to a friend (tú). Notice it looks exactly like the 'él/ella' present tense form!

Affirmative Commands

To make the command more polite or formal, change 'cierra' to 'cierre' (the Usted form), and always add 'por favor'.

Adding Respect

Extremely common. Used as a direct, familiar command (tú) telling someone to close something right now.

'Cierra' is a common Spanish verb form of 'cerrar' (to close). It means 'he/she/it closes,' 'you (formal) close,' or serves as the familiar command 'Close!' (tú). Learn its usage, examples, and stem-changing rules.

cerrar

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations