cerrada
/seh-RRAH-dah/
closed
Visualizing “cerrada” as something that is closed or shut.
cerrada(adjective)
closed
?Not open; shut
,locked
?Secured with a lock
shut
?General term for not being open
📝 In Action
La puerta de la oficina está cerrada.
A1The office door is closed.
Debes llamar porque la tienda siempre está cerrada los domingos.
A2You should call because the store is always closed on Sundays.
La ventana estaba bien cerrada para que no entrara el frío.
B1The window was tightly shut so the cold wouldn't come in.
💡 Grammar Points
Adjective Agreement
Since 'cerrada' describes a feminine noun (like 'puerta' or 'ventana'), it must end in '-a'. For masculine nouns, use 'cerrado'.
Ser vs. Estar
When talking about the state of being closed (right now), always use the verb 'estar': 'La puerta está cerrada'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong verb
Mistake: "La tienda es cerrada."
Correction: La tienda está cerrada. (Use *estar* because 'closed' is a temporary state or condition.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Quick Check
If you can replace 'closed' with 'shut right now,' use 'cerrada' and 'estar'.
Visualizing “cerrada” as describing a reserved or private person.
cerrada(adjective)
reserved
?Describing a quiet, private person
,dense
?Thick, referring to fog or vegetation
withdrawn
?Shy or introverted
,thick
?Referring to heavy mist or clouds
📝 In Action
Ella es muy cerrada con sus emociones y no le gusta compartirlas.
B1She is very reserved with her emotions and doesn't like to share them.
Tuvimos que conducir despacio debido a la neblina tan cerrada.
B2We had to drive slowly due to the fog being so dense (thick).
La comunidad rural era muy cerrada y desconfiaba de los extraños.
C1The rural community was very closed-off and distrusted strangers.
💡 Grammar Points
Describing Personality
When using 'cerrada' to describe a personality trait (a permanent characteristic), use the verb 'ser': 'Ella es cerrada'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Meaning Contrast
When describing weather or vegetation, 'cerrada' means 'impenetrable' or 'very thick.' Think of it as a barrier that is hard to get through.
Visualizing “cerrada” as a tight bend or sharp curve in a road.
cerrada(noun)
tight bend
?A sharp curve on a road
,enclosure
?A fenced or walled area
secluded area
?A small, private valley or glen
📝 In Action
Tuvimos que reducir la velocidad al llegar a la cerrada de la montaña.
B2We had to slow down when we reached the tight bend in the mountain road.
La casa estaba al final de una pequeña cerrada, lejos del pueblo.
C1The house was at the end of a small, secluded road/enclosure, far from the town.
💡 Grammar Points
Feminine Noun
When used as a noun, 'cerrada' is always feminine, requiring 'la' or 'una' before it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Geographic Use
This meaning is common when describing difficult driving conditions or secluded places in rural areas.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cerrada
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'cerrada' to describe a physical state that could change?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'cerrada' and 'cerrado'?
'Cerrada' is the feminine form, used with feminine words (e.g., 'la ventana cerrada'). 'Cerrado' is the masculine form, used with masculine words (e.g., 'el banco cerrado'). Both come from the same verb 'cerrar' (to close).
How do I use 'cerrada' to describe a personality?
Use the verb 'ser' (to be) followed by 'cerrada.' For example, 'Mi jefa es muy cerrada' (My boss is very reserved). It means they keep their thoughts and feelings locked up.