Using 'Tiempo' instead of 'Hora'
Mistake: “¿A qué tiempo cierran?”
Correction: ¿A qué hora cierran?
How to say
What time do you close?
in Spanish¿A qué hora cierran?
ah keh OR-ah see-EH-rrahn
This is the most useful, standard way to ask. It literally means 'At what time do you (plural) close?' addressing the staff as a group, or referring to the business in general.
Asking '¿A qué hora cierran?' helps you avoid the disappointment of arriving at a locked door.
💬Other Ways to Say It
¿A qué hora cierra?
★★★★★
ah keh OR-ah see-EH-rrah
formal🌍
Uses the singular formal 'you' (usted) or refers to 'la tienda' (the store). Use this when speaking to a manager, an older person, or if you want to sound very polite.
When to use: When asking a specific older person or referring to the establishment as a single entity.
¿Hasta qué hora están abiertos?
★★★★☆
AH-stah keh OR-ah eh-STAHN ah-bee-EHR-tohs
neutral🌍
Means 'Until what time are you open?' This focuses on the duration of availability rather than the act of closing.
When to use: Great when you want to know how much time you have left to shop or eat.
¿A qué hora cierras?
★★★★☆
ah keh OR-ah see-EH-rrahs
informal🌍
The informal singular 'you' (tú). Used when speaking to a friend who works there or a peer in a casual setting.
When to use: Use at a small street stall, with a younger clerk, or in a very casual environment.
¿A qué hora cerráis?
★★★☆☆
ah keh OR-ah the-RRAICE
informal plural🇪🇸
The 'vosotros' form used specifically in Spain to address a group of people informally.
When to use: Only use this in Spain when talking to the staff collectively in a casual setting (bars, shops).
¿Cuándo cierran?
★★★☆☆
KWAN-doh see-EH-rrahn
neutral🌍
Means simply 'When do you close?' It's shorter but slightly less specific than asking for the exact hour.
When to use: Good for quick interactions or when the exact minute matters less.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Choosing the right verb ending depends on who you are addressing and where you are.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¿A qué hora cierran? | Neutral / Plural | Any business, anywhere (safest option) | Speaking to a close friend who owns the shop (too distant) |
| ¿A qué hora cierras? | Informal Singular | Street markets, friends, peers | Speaking to elderly owners or in luxury stores |
| ¿A qué hora cerráis? | Informal Plural (Spain) | Casual settings in Spain only | You are in Latin America (they don't use this form) |
📈Difficulty Level
Overall Difficulty:beginnerMaster in 1 hour
Pronunciation2/5
Fairly easy, though the double 'rr' in 'cerrar' requires a trill. The 'ci' sound varies by region (s-sound vs th-sound).
Grammar2/5
Basic question structure. The main challenge is remembering to add 'A' at the beginning.
Cultural Nuance2/5
Straightforward, but remember to use greetings first to be polite.
Key Challenges:
- Rolling the double R in 'cerrar'
- Remembering to use 'hora' instead of 'tiempo'
💡Examples in Action
Polite inquiry at a store entrance or counterA1
Disculpe, ¿a qué hora cierran hoy?
Excuse me, what time do you close today?
Discussing plans with a friendA2
Necesitamos ir al banco, pero no sé a qué hora cierra.
We need to go to the bank, but I don't know what time it closes.
Asking a hotel receptionist about dining optionsB1
¿Sabes hasta qué hora está abierto el restaurante?
Do you know until what time the restaurant is open?
Asking friendly waiters at a bar in SpainA2
¡Chicos! ¿A qué hora cerráis la cocina?
Guys! What time do you close the kitchen?
🌍Cultural Context
The 'Siesta' Split Schedule
In Spain and some smaller towns in Latin America, businesses often close for a few hours in the afternoon (roughly 2 PM to 5 PM) for lunch and rest, then reopen until late evening. If you ask '¿A qué hora cierran?', they might give you the afternoon closing time, not the end-of-day time.
The 24-Hour Clock
While people often speak in 12-hour time (saying 'las ocho de la noche'), posted signs and official answers often use the 24-hour clock (military time). So, if they say 'cerramos a las veinte' (20:00), that means 8 PM.
Politeness Matters
In Latin America, especially Mexico and Colombia, it is considered abrupt to just walk up and ask the time. It's culturally expected to start with a greeting like 'Buenas tardes' or 'Disculpe' (Excuse me) before asking your question.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the 'A'
Mistake: “¿Qué hora cierran?”
Correction: ¿A qué hora cierran?
Confusing 'Cerca' and 'Cerrar'
Mistake: “¿A qué hora cerca?”
Correction: ¿A qué hora cierra?
💡Pro Tips
Default to 'Cierran'
If you are unsure whether to use formal or informal, singular or plural, just use '¿A qué hora cierran?'. It works everywhere because it addresses the business as a group of people ('they' or 'you all').
Listen for 'En punto'
The answer might include 'en punto' (on the dot) or 'y media' (and a half/30). For example, 'Cerramos a las nueve y media' means 9:30.
Asking about the Kitchen
In restaurants, the kitchen often closes before the dining room. To be safe, ask specifically: '¿A qué hora cierra la cocina?' (What time does the kitchen close?).
🗺️Regional Variations
🇪🇸
Spain
Preferred:¿A qué hora cerráis?
Pronunciation:Uses the 'th' sound for the 'c' (the-RRAICE)
Alternatives:
¿A qué hora chapáis? (Very slangy)
In Spain, the distinction between formal (ustedes) and informal (vosotros) is very strong. Use 'cerráis' for casual bars/shops. Also, be aware of the split schedule where shops close for lunch.
⚠️ Note: Don't use 'cerráis' in Latin America; it sounds archaic or like you're reading from an old bible.
🌍
Latin America (General)
Preferred:¿A qué hora cierran?
Pronunciation:Uses the 's' sound for the 'c' (see-EH-rran)
Alternatives:
¿Hasta qué hora atienden?
Throughout Latin America, 'ustedes' (cierran) is used for both formal and informal groups. You don't need to learn a separate plural form like in Spain.
⚠️ Note: Avoid being too direct. Always add 'Hola' or 'Buenas' before asking.
🌍
Argentina/Uruguay
Preferred:¿A qué hora cierran?
Pronunciation:Strong accent, but standard phrasing
Alternatives:
¿Hasta qué hora están?
It is very common to simply ask '¿Hasta qué hora están?' (Until what time are you [here]?). It implies 'open' without saying it.
💬What Comes Next?
They tell you they close in 10 minutes
They say:
Cerramos en diez minutos.
We close in ten minutes.
→
You respond:
Gracias, seré rápido/a.
Thanks, I'll be quick.
They tell you they are already closed
They say:
Ya cerramos.
We already closed.
→
You respond:
Entiendo, ¿a qué hora abren mañana?
I understand, what time do you open tomorrow?
🔄How It Differs from English
In English, we often use the singular 'does it close' referring to the store. In Spanish, it is much more common to personalize the business using the plural 'you' (cierran) - essentially asking 'At what time do [you guys] close?'
False Friends & Common Confusions:
"What time is it closed?"
Why it''s different: Translating this literally sounds awkward. Spanish speakers focus on the action of closing (verb) or the state of being open.
Use instead: ¿A qué hora cierran?
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How to say what time do you open in Spanish
The natural counterpart to closing time; useful for planning returns.
How to tell time in Spanish
You need to understand the numbers and format to understand the answer they give you.
Days of the week in Spanish
Closing times often change depending on the day (weekends vs weekdays).
✏️Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz: What time do you close?
Question 1 of 3
You are in Mexico City walking into a large department store. Which phrase is the most appropriate?
Use phrases naturally, not mechanically
Knowing a phrase is one thing — using it at the right moment is another. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories to see phrases in the contexts where they actually belong.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just say '¿Cuándo cierran?'
Yes, '¿Cuándo cierran?' (When do you close?) is grammatically correct and understood. However, '¿A qué hora...?' is more specific and prompts a precise time rather than a vague answer.
Why do I need the 'A' at the beginning?
In Spanish grammar, when asking for a specific time an event happens, you must use the preposition 'a' (at). It's like saying 'At what hour...?' English drops the 'at', but Spanish keeps it.
Is it rude to ask when they close?
Not at all, as long as you ask politely! If you walk in 5 minutes before closing, they might be annoyed, but asking the question itself is practical. Just remember to say 'Hola' or 'Disculpe' first.
What if I can't roll my R's for 'cerrar'?
Don't worry! You can use the alternative '¿Hasta qué hora están abiertos?' (Until what time are you open?), which avoids the double-R sound entirely.
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