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How to Say "close" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “close” is “cerca” — use 'cerca' when indicating that something or someone is physically near or not far away.

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cerca

SER-kaˈseɾ.ka

adverbA1general
Use 'cerca' when indicating that something or someone is physically near or not far away.
A small, red, pitched-roof house standing immediately next to the base of a tall, white lighthouse.

Examples

El hospital está muy cerca de aquí.

The hospital is very close to here.

El supermercado está cerca.

The supermarket is nearby.

Mi oficina está cerca de mi casa.

My office is near my house.

No te preocupes, vivimos muy cerca.

Don't worry, we live very close.

Cerca vs. Cerca de

Use 'cerca' by itself to mean 'nearby'. Use 'cerca de' when you're saying something is near another specific thing. Example: 'El café está cerca' (The café is nearby) vs. 'El café está cerca de la oficina' (The café is near the office).

Adverb vs. Adjective

Mistake: “Mi casa está cercana.”

Correction: Mi casa está cerca. 'Cerca' describes *where* the house is (an adverb), not *what kind* of house it is. Use the adjective 'cercano/a' to describe a noun directly, like 'un pueblo cercano' (a nearby town).

próxima

adjectiveA1general
Use 'próxima' when referring to the next occurrence in a sequence, such as time or events.

Examples

La próxima reunión será el martes.

The next meeting will be on Tuesday.

estrecho

es-TRE-choesˈtɾet͡ʃo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'estrecho' to describe relationships, bonds, or connections that are tight, intimate, or strong.
Two friends walking together with their arms around each other's shoulders.

Examples

Tienen una amistad muy estrecha desde la infancia.

They have a very close friendship since childhood.

Ellos mantienen una relación muy estrecha.

They maintain a very close relationship.

Hay un vínculo muy estrecho entre la dieta y la salud.

There is a very close link between diet and health.

Trabajamos en estrecha colaboración con el equipo de ventas.

We work in close collaboration with the sales team.

Abstract Use

When used for relationships, 'estrecho' doesn't mean physical narrowness, but rather that there is no 'space' or distance between two people's feelings.

Close friends

Mistake: “Él es mi amigo estrecho.”

Correction: Say 'Él es un amigo cercano' or 'amigo íntimo'. While 'relación estrecha' is perfect, calling a person an 'amigo estrecho' sounds a bit unnatural.

íntimo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'íntimo' to describe a very dear friend or a relationship characterized by deep personal connection and familiarity.

Examples

Ella es mi amiga más íntima; le cuento todo.

She is my closest friend; I tell her everything.

cercano

sehr-KAH-nohseɾˈkano

adjectiveB2general
Use 'cercano' to describe someone who is approachable, warm, or emotionally near, often implying a friendly or caring demeanor.
Two smiling figures, one taller and one shorter, sharing a warm, affectionate hug.

Examples

A pesar de su éxito, el actor es muy cercano con sus fans.

Despite his success, the actor is very approachable with his fans.

Ella es una persona muy cercana y siempre escucha a sus empleados.

She is a very warm/approachable person and always listens to her employees.

Solo compartí mi secreto con mis amigos más cercanos.

I only shared my secret with my closest friends.

Describing Personality

When 'cercano' describes a person's character, it means they are approachable, friendly, and easy to talk to, like saying they are 'close to people'.

Proximity vs. Relationship

Learners often confuse 'cerca' (nearby) with words describing relationships like 'estrecho' or 'íntimo'. Remember, 'cerca' is primarily about physical distance, while 'estrecho' and 'íntimo' refer to the depth of a connection or friendship.

Related Translations

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