cierra
“cierra” means “closes” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
closes, shuts
📝 In Action
La oficina cierra a las cinco y media todos los días.
A1The office closes at five thirty every day.
Él siempre cierra los ojos para concentrarse.
A1He always closes his eyes to concentrate.
¿A qué hora cierra usted la tienda?
A2What time do you (formal) close the store?
Close!, Shut!
📝 In Action
¡Cierra la boca cuando comes!
A1Close your mouth when you eat!
Cierra la caja fuerte antes de irte, por favor.
A2Close the safe before you go, please.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: cierra
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'cierra' as a direct command?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
The verb 'cerrar' (and thus 'cierra') comes from the Vulgar Latin verb *serrare*, which meant 'to latch' or 'to bar' something closed. This word itself is related to the Latin word *sera* (a bar or bolt).
First recorded: 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Por qué 'cierra' y no 'cerra'?
'Cierra' is an irregular verb. In Spanish, many verbs change their internal vowel sound in the present tense (this is called a stem change). The 'e' in 'cerrar' becomes 'ie' when it's stressed, which is the case in the 'cierra' form.
When should I use 'cierra' versus 'cierre'?
Use 'cierra' when talking about what 'he, she, or it' does, or when giving a familiar command to a friend ('tú'). Use 'cierre' when talking about what 'you (formal)' do, or when giving a formal command ('usted').