Inklingo

How to Say "enclosure" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “enclosure” is “anexo” — use 'anexo' when referring to a document, file, or other item that is attached to or included with a main communication, like an email or letter.

anexo🔊A2

Use 'anexo' when referring to a document, file, or other item that is attached to or included with a main communication, like an email or letter.

Learn more →
recinto🔊B1

Use 'recinto' for a general enclosed space, especially one that is large and often used for events, public gatherings, or specific activities, typically surrounded by walls or fences.

Learn more →
cerrada🔊B2

Use 'cerrada' to describe a physically enclosed or confined area, often a natural or man-made space that limits passage, like a mountain pass or a closed-off section.

Learn more →
cierro🔊B2

Choose 'cierro' when referring to a fenced-in area, field, or property, often emphasizing the boundary or the act of enclosing it.

Learn more →
clausura🔊C1

Use 'clausura' specifically for a strictly enclosed and private area within a religious institution, such as a convent or monastery, implying seclusion.

Learn more →
English → Spanish

anexo

ah-NEK-soaˈnekso

nounA2general
Use 'anexo' when referring to a document, file, or other item that is attached to or included with a main communication, like an email or letter.
A colorful paperclip holding a small digital file icon together.

Examples

Te envío el contrato en un anexo.

I am sending you the contract in an attachment.

La oficina está en el anexo del edificio principal.

The office is in the annex of the main building.

Consulta el anexo para ver la lista completa de datos.

Check the appendix to see the full list of data.

Always Masculine

When used as a naming word (noun) to mean an attachment or building, it is always 'el anexo' regardless of the object it's referring to.

Placement in Documents

Just like in English, an 'anexo' usually comes at the very end of a document or book.

Email Confusion

Mistake: “Te mando un adjunto (when referring specifically to the section name).”

Correction: While 'adjunto' is more common for the file itself, 'anexo' is used for the formal section or legal attachment.

recinto

reh-SEEN-tohreˈsinto

nounB1general
Use 'recinto' for a general enclosed space, especially one that is large and often used for events, public gatherings, or specific activities, typically surrounded by walls or fences.
A small green garden area completely surrounded by a low, circular stone wall with a wooden gate.

Examples

El recinto ferial es enorme y tiene muchos puestos de comida.

The fairgrounds are huge and have many food stalls.

Está prohibido fumar en todo el recinto hospitalario.

Smoking is prohibited throughout the hospital grounds.

El concierto se trasladó a un recinto cubierto por la lluvia.

The concert was moved to an indoor venue because of the rain.

Recinto is Masculine

Even though it doesn't refer to a person, it always uses masculine markers: 'el recinto' or 'un recinto'.

Using 'en' vs 'al'

Use 'en el recinto' to say you are inside it, and 'al recinto' when you are moving toward or entering it.

Recinto vs. Habitación

Mistake: “Using 'recinto' to describe a small bedroom.”

Correction: Use 'habitación' for rooms in a house. 'Recinto' implies a larger, usually gated or walled-off complex or venue.

False Friend Alert

Mistake: “Confusing 'recinto' with 'receta'.”

Correction: A 'receta' is a food recipe or a doctor's prescription. A 'recinto' is a physical place.

cerrada

seh-RRAH-dahseˈraða

nounB2general
Use 'cerrada' to describe a physically enclosed or confined area, often a natural or man-made space that limits passage, like a mountain pass or a closed-off section.
An aerial view of a winding paved road making a very sharp, tight hairpin curve through green landscape.

Examples

Tuvimos que reducir la velocidad al llegar a la cerrada de la montaña.

We had to slow down when we reached the tight bend in the mountain road.

La casa estaba al final de una pequeña cerrada, lejos del pueblo.

The house was at the end of a small, secluded road/enclosure, far from the town.

Feminine Noun

When used as a noun, 'cerrada' is always feminine, requiring 'la' or 'una' before it.

cierro

SYEH-rrohˈsje.ro

nounB2general
Choose 'cierro' when referring to a fenced-in area, field, or property, often emphasizing the boundary or the act of enclosing it.
A simple wooden fence surrounding a small green grassy field.

Examples

El cierro de la finca es de piedra antigua.

The enclosure of the estate is made of ancient stone.

clausura

klau-SOO-rahklau̯ˈsuɾa

nounC1formal
Use 'clausura' specifically for a strictly enclosed and private area within a religious institution, such as a convent or monastery, implying seclusion.
A peaceful stone courtyard with an arched walkway and a small garden in the center.

Examples

Es un convento de estricta clausura.

It is a convent of strict enclosure (cloister).

Las monjas han vivido en clausura durante treinta años.

The nuns have lived in seclusion for thirty years.

Romper el voto de clausura es algo muy serio en su orden.

Breaking the vow of seclusion is very serious in their order.

Preposition 'En'

When talking about religious life, we usually say someone lives 'en clausura' (in seclusion).

Physical vs. Digital Enclosures

Learners often confuse physical enclosed spaces with digital attachments. Remember that 'anexo' is exclusively for things like email attachments, while 'recinto', 'cerrada', and 'cierro' all refer to physical, walled, or fenced areas.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.