Spanish - April 30, 2023

How To Say "Close" In Spanish

Are you trying to learn how to say "close" in Spanish? Whether you are planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country or just trying to expand your vocabulary, knowing how to say "close" in Spanish is an essential skill. In this article, we will cover the different ways to say "close" in Spanish, including the regional variations, the meaning of the word, and some useful phrases to help you practice.

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What is "Close" in Spanish?

The word "close" can be translated to Spanish in several ways, depending on the context and the region. Here are some of the most common translations:

Cerca (IPA: /ˈθeɾka/): This word is used to indicate proximity or distance, and it can be translated as "close" or "near". For example: El restaurante está cerca de aquí. (The restaurant is close to here.)
Cerrar (IPA: /θeˈraɾ/): This verb means "to close" and it can be used in different contexts, such as closing a door, a window, or a business. For example: Voy a cerrar la puerta. (I'm going to close the door.)
Estrecho (IPA: /esˈtɾetʃo/): This word can be translated as "narrow" or "close" and it is used to describe a space or a relationship that is limited or restricted. For example: El camino es muy estrecho. (The road is very narrow.)
Apagar (IPA: /apaˈɣaɾ/): This verb means "to turn off" or "to shut down" and it can be used to describe the action of closing an electronic device or a machine. For example: Voy a apagar el ordenador. (I'm going to turn off the computer.)
Finalizar (IPA: /finaˈliθaɾ/): This verb means "to end" or "to conclude" and it can be used to describe the closing of a deal, a contract, or a negotiation. For example: El acuerdo finalizó ayer. (The agreement ended yesterday.)

Meaning of "Close" in Spanish

In Spanish, "close" can have different meanings depending on the context. Here are some of the most common meanings:

Near or proximate: This meaning refers to something that is physically or emotionally close. For example: Mi casa está muy cerca del parque. (My house is very close to the park.)
Shut or sealed: This meaning refers to the action of closing or sealing a door, a window, or a container. For example: Por favor, cierra la ventana. (Please, close the window.)
Limited or restricted: This meaning refers to a space, a time, or a relationship that is narrow or limited. For example: El restaurante tiene un espacio muy estrecho. (The restaurant has a very narrow space.)
Private or exclusive: This meaning refers to something that is not open to the public or that is reserved for a select group of people. For example: Esta es una información confidencial, por favor manténgala en privado. (This is confidential information, please keep it private.)
Final or concluding: This meaning refers to the end of a process, a relationship, or a situation. For example: El proyecto está próximo a finalizar. (The project is about to end.)

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Regional References

It is worth noting that there may be some regional differences in the use of the word "close" in Spanish. For example, in some Latin American countries, "cerca" may be used more frequently than "cerrado" to indicate that something is "close by". Similarly, "estrecho" may be more commonly used in Spain than in Latin America.

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