How to Say Near in Spanish - Pronunciation and Usage
As of 2026, when learning a new language like Spanish, it's crucial to understand everyday vocabulary such as how to say "near." In this article, we will explore various ways to express proximity in Spanish, including pronunciation guides and sample sentences. We'll also compare similar words with those from other languages for better understanding.
2,500 most common Spanish words with IPA pronunciation & bilingual example sentences
How to Say Near in Spanish
The primary translation of "near" in Spanish is cerca (IPA: /ˈθerka/). However, depending on the region and context, you might encounter other terms such as cercano/a, al lado de, or junto a.
- Cercano/a (IPA: /θerˈkano/a/): Commonly used in Chile, Venezuela, and some Central American countries.
- Al lado de (IPA: /al ˈlaðo ðe/): Prevalent in Costa Rica and Panama, meaning "beside" or "next to."
- Junto a (IPA: /ˈxunto a/): Widely used in Spain, meaning "next to" or "by."
Near Equivalent Words in Spanish
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The Spanish Frequency Dictionary series covers the 10,000 most common Spanish words — ranked by how often native speakers actually use them, with IPA pronunciation, English translations, and bilingual example sentences at every level.
Browse all 4 volumes →In addition to the primary term cerca, you can use other words like cercano/a, al lado de, and junto a. These alternatives are regionally specific but convey similar meanings. For instance, in France or Italy, "near" would be translated to près or vicino, respectively.
How to Say Near in Spanish: Sample Sentences
To help you understand the usage of these terms, here are several sample sentences:
- El parque está cerca de aquí.
- Mi casa está muy cerca del aeropuerto.
- El supermercado está al lado del cine.
- La playa queda cercana a la montaña.
- El restaurante está a pocos minutos de caminata.
(The park is near here.)
(My house is very close to the airport.)
(The supermarket is next to the cinema.)
(The beach is near the mountain.)
(The restaurant is just a few minutes' walk away.)
- Beginner Level: The Spanish Frequency Dictionary 1 - Essential Vocabulary.
- Intermediate Level: The Spanish Frequency Dictionary 2 - Intermediate Vocabulary.
- Advanced Level: The Spanish Frequency Dictionary 3 - Advanced Vocabulary.
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The fastest way to grow your Spanish vocabulary is to start with the words you'll actually encounter every day. The Spanish Frequency Dictionary covers the 2,500 most common Spanish words, each with IPA pronunciation, an English translation, and bilingual example sentences.
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