cerrar
/seh-RRAHR/
to close
Cerrar means "to close" a physical object, like a door or a window.
cerrar(verb)
to close
?physical object (door, window, book)
,to shut
?physical object (gate, lid)
to zip up
?clothing
📝 In Action
Por favor, cierra la puerta al salir.
A1Please, close the door when you leave.
Siempre cierro la ventana antes de que empiece a llover.
A2I always shut the window before it starts to rain.
💡 Grammar Points
The Shoe/Boot Verb Change
In the present tense, 'cerrar' is irregular. The 'e' changes to 'ie' in the singular forms and the 'ellos/as/ustedes' form—everywhere except the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms. This pattern is called a 'shoe verb' because the irregular forms look like they fit inside a shoe.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: "Yo cerro la puerta."
Correction: Yo cierro la puerta. (Remember: e changes to ie!)
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Cerrar' vs. 'Clausurar'
Use 'cerrar' for physical actions and everyday objects. Only use 'clausurar' for highly formal closings like ceremonies, large meetings, or legal proceedings.
When a business shuts its doors permanently, we use cerrar to mean "to close down."
cerrar(verb)
to close down
?a business/establishment
,to finish
?a deal/meeting
,to close/shut
?an account or financial year
to conclude
?a speech or presentation
📝 In Action
La tienda de la esquina tuvo que cerrar por la crisis económica.
B1The corner store had to close down due to the economic crisis.
Necesitamos cerrar este trato antes de que termine el mes.
B2We need to finish (close) this deal before the end of the month.
💡 Grammar Points
Use with Time Expressions
'Cerrar' is often used when a time period, like an event or a business day, comes to an end: 'Cerramos a las nueve' (We close at nine).
Cerrar can also be used metaphorically to mean "to close oneself off" emotionally or socially.
cerrar(verb)
to close oneself off
?emotionally/socially
,to become stubborn
?unwilling to listen or change
to close in
?a space closing in on someone
📝 In Action
Después de la discusión, ella se cerró y no quiso hablar con nadie.
B2After the argument, she closed herself off and didn't want to talk to anyone.
No te cierres a nuevas ideas, es importante escuchar a los demás.
C1Don't close yourself off to new ideas; it’s important to listen to others.
💡 Grammar Points
Reflexive Use Changes Meaning
When you add 'se' (the reflexive marker), the verb changes from acting on an external object ('cerrar la puerta' - close the door) to acting on the subject itself, often referring to a mental or emotional state ('cerrarse' - close oneself off).
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Stubbornness
Use 'cerrarse' (often followed by 'a') when someone is being inflexible or unwilling to accept advice, making them seem difficult to approach.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cerrar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses the stem change of 'cerrar' in the present tense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'cerrar' change its spelling sometimes?
'Cerrar' is a 'boot verb,' meaning the vowel in the stem ('e') changes to 'ie' when the stress falls on it. This happens in most forms of the present tense (like 'cierro' and 'cierras'), but not in the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms, which is common in Spanish verbs.
How do I say 'The store is closed'?
You can use two main options: 'La tienda está cerrada' (using the adjective 'cerrada') or 'La tienda cierra' (using the simple present tense of the verb, implying it closes at a certain time).