abran
/AH-brahn/
open
The command 'Abran' translates to 'open' (plural command), illustrated by the act of opening a door.
abran(Verb (Conjugated Form))
open
?Used for commands (ustedes form) or wishes/possibility (subjunctive)
they open
?When expressing a desire or uncertainty about a third party
📝 In Action
Por favor, abran la puerta para que entre aire fresco.
A1Please, open the door so fresh air can come in.
Necesito que ustedes abran el paquete ahora mismo.
A2I need you (plural, formal) to open the package right now.
Ojalá que los bancos no abran tarde mañana.
B1Hopefully, the banks don't open late tomorrow.
💡 Grammar Points
Two Main Uses of 'Abran'
'Abran' is used either as a command for a group of people (ustedes) or to talk about what 'they' (ellos/ellas) or 'you' (ustedes) do when expressing wishes, doubts, or requests (the special form known as the Present Subjunctive).
Formal Group Command
When giving a direct order to a group of people you address formally, you use 'Abran' (e.g., 'Abran las ventanas' — Open the windows).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Command Forms
Mistake: "Using 'abren' for a command (e.g., 'Abren el libro')."
Correction: For a command to a group, you must use the special command form 'abran' (e.g., 'Abran el libro'). 'Abren' is only used to state a fact: 'They open the book.'
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you see 'abran' immediately following a verb expressing desire or necessity (like 'querer que' or 'necesitar que'), it's the subjunctive form: 'Quiero que abran la tienda pronto.'
When referring to starting a business or organization, 'abran' translates to 'launch' or 'establish'.
abran(Verb (Conjugated Form))
launch
?starting a business or organization
start
?a meeting or discussion
,inaugurate
?a new building or event
📝 In Action
El director sugirió que abran un debate sobre el tema.
B1The director suggested that they start a debate on the topic.
Es urgente que abran las inscripciones para la conferencia.
B2It is urgent that they open the registrations for the conference.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
Just like in English, 'to open' can mean 'to start.' When used this way (e.g., 'abrir un negocio'), it almost always requires the special verb form ('abran') because it involves a desire, request, or uncertainty about the action.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: abran
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'abran' as a direct command?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
If 'abran' is a command, how do I know if the speaker is talking to 'you all' (ustedes) or 'they' (ellos)?
You can tell by the context. If 'abran' starts a sentence or follows a polite marker like 'por favor,' it is usually the formal command 'you all open.' If it follows a trigger phrase like 'espero que' (I hope that) or 'quiero que' (I want that), it refers to 'they' or 'you all' in the special subjunctive form.