A close-up view of a silver metallic door lock plate, featuring a simple keyhole centered in the mechanism, set against a rustic brown wooden door.

cerradura

seh-rrah-DOO-rah

nounfA2

lock?the mechanism used to secure a door or container

Also:locking mechanism?technical term for the device

📝 In Action

La llave no funcionaba con esta cerradura vieja.

The key didn't work with this old lock.

Necesitamos llamar a un cerrajero para cambiar la cerradura de la puerta principal.

We need to call a locksmith to change the lock on the front door.

Ten cuidado, la cerradura está rota y la puerta no cierra bien.

Be careful, the lock is broken and the door doesn't close well.

Word Connections

Synonyms

cerrojo (bolt, bar)
pestillo (latch)

Common Collocations

cambiar la cerradura – to change the lock
forzar la cerradura – to force/pick the lock
echar la cerradura – to lock the door

💡 Grammar Points

Feminine Noun Ending

Most Spanish nouns that end in -dura, like cerradura, are feminine. Remember to use 'la' or 'una' before it.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing 'Cerradura' and 'Cierre'

Mistake: "Using 'cierre' when referring to a door lock."

Correction: 'Cierre' means 'closure' or 'zipper.' Use 'cerradura' specifically for the mechanical device on a door or chest.

⭐ Usage Tips

Word Connection

The word comes directly from the verb 'cerrar' (to close/lock). Thinking of the action 'cerrar' helps you remember the device 'cerradura'.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: cerradura

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'cerradura'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

cerrar(to close, to lock (verb)) - verb

llave(key) - noun

cerrajero(locksmith) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'cerradura' and 'llave'?

'Cerradura' is the stationary device or mechanism built into the door or wall that keeps things secure. 'Llave' (key) is the small, removable object used to operate the cerradura.

How do I pronounce the 'rr' sound in 'cerradura'?

The 'rr' in the middle of the word requires a strong, rolled tongue sound, similar to the sound a cat makes when purring. Practice saying 'rra-rra-rra' quickly.