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How to Say "i lock" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cierro

/SYEH-rroh//ˈsje.ro/

verbA1general
Use 'cierro' when you are specifically referring to closing something with a key or lock mechanism, emphasizing the act of securing it against opening.
A hand closing a bright blue wooden door in a cozy room.

Examples

Yo cierro la puerta con llave todas las noches.

I lock the door with a key every night.

Cierro la tienda a las ocho de la tarde.

I close the shop at eight in the evening.

Si hace frío, cierro la ventana.

If it is cold, I close the window.

The 'Growing I' Rule

For this verb, the letter 'e' changes to 'ie' whenever you stress that syllable. This happens in the 'I' form (cierro), but not in the 'we' form (cerramos).

Cierro vs. Cerro

Mistake: “Using 'cerro' to mean 'I close'.”

Correction: Use 'cierro'. 'Cerro' (without the i) actually means a hill!

aseguro

ah-seh-GOO-roh/a.seˈɣu.ɾo/

verbB1general
Use 'aseguro' when the emphasis is on making something secure or safe, which often includes locking it, but can also refer to general securing actions.
A large, sturdy padlock fastened securely to a simple wooden door, illustrating the act of securing something.

Examples

Antes de irme a dormir, aseguro bien todas las ventanas.

Before going to sleep, I secure all the windows well (I lock all the windows).

Aseguro la carga con una cuerda gruesa para que no se mueva.

I secure the load with a thick rope so that it doesn't move.

Physical Action

This meaning refers to the physical act of making something safe. Think of it as putting a 'seguro' (safety mechanism/lock) on something.

Locking vs. Securing

Learners often confuse 'cierro' and 'aseguro' because both can imply locking. Remember that 'cierro' strongly implies using a physical lock (like a key), while 'aseguro' is broader and means to make something secure, which might involve locking but could also mean other forms of securing.

Related Translations

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