encerrado
“encerrado” means “locked in” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
locked in, shut in
Also: confined
📝 In Action
El perro estuvo encerrado en la casa todo el día.
A2The dog was locked in the house all day.
Me sentía encerrado en mi apartamento durante la cuarentena.
B1I felt shut in (or confined) in my apartment during quarantine.
withdrawn, reserved
Also: introverted
📝 In Action
Mi hermano es un poco encerrado; prefiere leer a salir de fiesta.
B2My brother is a bit withdrawn; he prefers reading to going out partying.
Su naturaleza encerrada hacía difícil conocerla bien.
C1Her reserved nature made it difficult to get to know her well.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "encerrado" in Spanish:
confined→introverted→locked in→reserved→shut in→withdrawn→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: encerrado
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'encerrado' to describe a permanent personality trait?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the verb 'encerrar,' which is formed by adding the prefix 'en-' (meaning 'in' or 'into') to the verb 'cerrar' (to close). 'Cerrar' itself ultimately comes from a Latin word meaning 'to lock or bar.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'encerrado' only used for people?
No. While it can describe a person's mood or personality, it is most commonly used for objects, animals, or places that are physically shut in or locked, like 'la puerta encerrada' (the locked door).
Since this word ends in -ado, is it always a verb form?
Not always! While 'encerrado' is the past participle of the verb 'encerrar' (to lock up), when it is used on its own, it functions as an adjective, describing a state or quality, just like 'tired' or 'happy' in English. It must change its ending (encerrada, encerrados, encerradas) to match the thing it describes.