abiertas
“abiertas” means “open” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
open
Also: unlocked, uncovered
📝 In Action
Las tiendas están abiertas hasta las nueve.
A1The stores are open until nine.
Dejamos las ventanas abiertas para que entre el aire fresco.
A2We left the windows open so the fresh air could come in.
Las heridas de la paciente estaban abiertas y necesitaban puntos.
B1The patient's wounds were open and needed stitches.
open-minded
Also: frank, progressive
📝 In Action
Las nuevas políticas económicas son muy abiertas e inclusivas.
B2The new economic policies are very progressive and inclusive.
Ellas son personas muy abiertas que siempre escuchan otros puntos de vista.
B1They are very open-minded people who always listen to other points of view.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: abiertas
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'abiertas' in the figurative sense (open-minded)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin verb *aperire*, meaning 'to open, uncover, or reveal.' It is the irregular past participle of the Spanish verb *abrir*.
First recorded: 13th century (in its root form)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'abiertas' considered irregular?
It is irregular because its parent verb, 'abrir' (to open), forms its past participle ('abierto') in a way that doesn't follow the standard '-ido' ending for '-ir' verbs. The feminine plural form 'abiertas' follows that irregular pattern.
How do I know if I should use 'ser' or 'estar' with 'abiertas'?
Use 'estar' when describing a temporary state (The windows *are* open now: 'Las ventanas están abiertas'). Use 'ser' when describing a fundamental characteristic (The discussions *are* open-ended: 'Las discusiones son abiertas').