vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Cerca de" is a phrase which is often translated as "close to", and "de cerca" is a phrase which is often translated as "close up". Learn more about the difference between "cerca de" and "de cerca" below.
cerca de(
sehr
-
kah
deh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
de cerca(
deh
sehr
-
kah
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. close up
Tendría que verla de cerca para estar segura de si es o no Eladia.I'd have to see her close up to be sure whether it's Eladia or not.
b. closely
Me unen al país lazos sentimentales, y sigo muy de cerca los acontecimientos que tienen lugar en el mismo.There are sentimental ties binding me to the country, and I follow very closely the events that take place in it.
c. up close
Al ver el cuadro de cerca, te sientes abrumado por la multitud de detalles.When you look at the painting up close, you feel overwhelmed by the multitude of details.
2. (directly)
a. personally
Cuando las cosas te tocan de cerca, es más difícil mantener la calma.When things affect you personally, it's more difficult to keep calm.
b. at close quarters
No olvides que yo he vivido una guerra y he visto la muerte de cerca.Don't forget I've lived through a war and have seen death at close quarters.
c. first-hand
Conozco el mundo de la moda de cerca porque trabajé diez años como modelo.I know the fashion world first-hand because I worked as a model for ten years.
