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How to Say "fence" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “fence” is “valla” — use 'valla' for a typical fence surrounding a property, like a garden or yard, that you might paint or repair.

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valla

BA-yaˈbaʝa

nounA2general
Use 'valla' for a typical fence surrounding a property, like a garden or yard, that you might paint or repair.
A white wooden picket fence surrounding a small patch of green grass.

Examples

Pusimos una valla nueva alrededor del jardín.

We put up a new fence around the garden.

Pintamos la valla de blanco ayer.

We painted the fence white yesterday.

El perro saltó la valla del jardín.

The dog jumped over the garden fence.

Gender of 'valla'

This is a feminine naming word, so use 'la' or 'una' before it (la valla).

Don't confuse with 'vaya'

Mistake: “Using 'valla' when you mean 'go' or 'wow'.”

Correction: Use 'valla' for the fence you can touch, and 'vaya' for the action of going.

barrera

bah-RREH-rahbaˈreɾa

nounA1general
Use 'barrera' for a barrier that stops or impedes movement, such as a gate at a railway crossing or a security checkpoint.
A high wooden fence completely blocking a clear dirt path in a bright, sunny field.

Examples

El guardia levantó la barrera para dejarnos pasar.

The guard raised the barrier to let us pass.

Tuvimos que esperar porque la barrera del tren estaba bajada.

We had to wait because the train barrier was down.

La policía levantó una barrera de seguridad para controlar la multitud.

The police put up a safety barrier to control the crowd.

Gender Reminder

Remember that 'barrera' is always feminine, so you must use 'la barrera' or 'una barrera'.

Confusing 'Barrera' and 'Barra'

Mistake: “Using 'barra' when referring to a large obstacle.”

Correction: 'Barra' usually means a small bar or rod (like a pull-up bar). 'Barrera' is the large, blocking structure or fence.

cerco

SER-kohˈθeɾko

nounB1general
Use 'cerco' for a fence that encloses an area, often a more rustic or agricultural one, like one made of wood or wire to keep animals in.
A white wooden picket fence standing in a green grassy field under a clear blue sky.

Examples

El cerco de alambre mantenía a las vacas dentro del campo.

The wire fence kept the cows inside the field.

El granjero construyó un cerco de madera para proteger a sus ovejas.

The farmer built a wooden fence to protect his sheep.

La policía estableció un cerco alrededor del edificio para que nadie escapara.

The police set up a perimeter around the building so that no one would escape.

Había un cerco de luz alrededor de la luna anoche.

There was a halo of light around the moon last night.

Cerco vs. Cerca

While both mean 'fence', 'cerco' is often used for larger enclosures or strategic perimeters, while 'cerca' is the standard word for a backyard fence.

Using 'estrechar el cerco'

This phrase is used figuratively to mean that a mystery is being solved or a criminal is about to be caught.

Confusing with 'Cerca'

Mistake: “Estoy cerco de la casa.”

Correction: Estoy cerca de la casa. Use 'cerca' for 'near' and 'cerco' for 'fence/siege'.

cierro

SYEH-rrohˈsje.ro

nounB2general
Use 'cierro' for a more substantial enclosure or boundary, often made of stone or similar materials, that defines the perimeter of a larger property like an estate.
A simple wooden fence surrounding a small green grassy field.

Examples

El cierro de piedra delimitaba la propiedad histórica.

The stone enclosure marked the boundary of the historic property.

El cierro de la finca es de piedra antigua.

The enclosure of the estate is made of ancient stone.

Valla vs. Cerco

Learners often confuse 'valla' and 'cerco'. Remember that 'valla' is generally for property boundaries you might see around a house or garden, while 'cerco' implies a more enclosed area, often for agricultural purposes or keeping animals contained.

Related Translations

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