encierro
“encierro” means “confinement” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
confinement
Also: lockdown, imprisonment
📝 In Action
Después de tanto tiempo de encierro, quiero salir al campo.
A2After so much time being shut inside, I want to go to the countryside.
El escritor terminó su novela durante su encierro voluntario.
B1The writer finished his novel during his voluntary isolation.
Muchos animales sufren por el encierro en los zoológicos.
B2Many animals suffer from being confined in zoos.
running of the bulls
Also: sit-in
📝 In Action
El encierro de San Fermín es famoso en todo el mundo.
B1The San Fermín running of the bulls is famous all over the world.
Los trabajadores iniciaron un encierro en la fábrica para pedir mejoras.
B2The workers started a sit-in at the factory to ask for improvements.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: encierro
Question 1 of 3
If someone in Spain says they are going to see 'el encierro' in Pamplona, what are they watching?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Spanish verb 'encerrar' (to shut in), which combines 'en-' (in) and 'cerrar' (to close). 'Cerrar' comes from the Latin word 'serrare', meaning to bolt or lock.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'encierro' the same as 'cárcel'?
Not exactly. 'Cárcel' is the physical building (prison). 'Encierro' is the state or the feeling of being locked up, whether it's in a prison, your house, or a room.
Can 'encierro' be used for animals?
Yes, it is very common to use 'encierro' when talking about animals kept in cages or stables.
Is it a 'bad' word?
It generally has a negative or heavy feeling, as it implies a lack of freedom, but it is a standard, neutral word used in newspapers and daily speech.