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"Cerca de" is a phrase which is often translated as "close to", and "alrededor de" is a phrase which is often translated as "about". Learn more about the difference between "cerca de" and "alrededor de" below.
cerca de(
sehr
-
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A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. close to
Mi único requisito es que mi apartamento esté cerca de un supermercado.My only requirement is that my apartment be close to a supermarket.
b. near
Mi oficina no está cerca de ninguna tienda.My office is not near any shops.
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A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. about
La computadora cuesta alrededor de 20,000 pesos.The computer costs about 20,000 pesos.
b. around
Yo voy a las diez, pero los invitados llegarán alrededor de la medianoche.I'll go at ten, but the guests will arrive around midnight.
a. around
La Tierra da una vuelta alrededor del sol cada 365 días.The Earth completes its orbit around the sun every 365 days.
a. along
El barco navegaba alrededor de la costa de Italia cuando le sorprendió la tormenta.The ship was sailing along the Italian coast when it was caught in a storm.
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