How to Say Close in Spanish | MostUsedWords.com
Updated for 2026, the word "close" can be translated into Spanish in several ways depending on context and region. Whether you're planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country or just looking to expand your vocabulary, knowing how to express proximity and distance is essential.
2,500 most common Spanish words with IPA pronunciation & bilingual example sentences
How to Say Close in Spanish
The term "close" has multiple translations in Spanish, each with its own usage context:
- Cerca (IPA: /ˈθeɾka/): This word means "near" or "close by". For example: El restaurante está cerca de aquí. (The restaurant is close to here.).
- Cerrar (IPA: /θeˈraɾ/): This verb means "to close", often used for doors, windows, or containers. For example: Voy a cerrar la puerta. (I'm going to close the door.).
- Near (Spanish word for near): Similar to "cerca", this term is also used in digital contexts and everyday conversation. Example: Mi casa está muy cerca del parque. (My house is very close to the park.).
- Estrecho (IPA: /esˈtɾetʃo/): This word can mean "narrow" or describe a relationship that is limited. For example: El camino es muy estrecho. (The road is very narrow.).
- Apagar (IPA: /apaˈɣaɾ/): This verb means "to turn off" or "shut down", often used for electronic devices. For example: Voy a apagar el ordenador. (I'm going to turn off the computer.).
- Finalizar (IPA: /finaˈliθaɾ/): This verb means "to end" or "conclude", used for processes, agreements, and negotiations. For example: El acuerdo finalizó ayer. (The agreement ended yesterday.).
Pronunciation Guide
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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.
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- Cerca (IPA: /ˈθeɾka/)
- Cerrar (IPA: /θeˈraɾ/)
- Estrecho (IPA: /esˈtɾetʃo/)
- Apagar (IPA: /apaˈɣaɾ/)
- Finalizar (IPA: /finaˈliθaɾ/)
Regional Variations and Idiomatic Expressions
In Spanish-speaking regions, the word "close" can vary in usage. For instance:
- Cerca de aquí: Commonly used to indicate proximity.
- A punto de cerrar: Used when something is about to be closed.
- Estrecho de Magallanes: Refers to the Strait of Magellan, a narrow waterway in South America.
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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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