vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Cerca de" is a phrase which is often translated as "close to", and "cerca" is an adverb which is often translated as "close". Learn more about the difference between "cerca de" and "cerca" below.
cerca de()
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
cerca()
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
2. (enclosure)
a. fence (of wood or wire)
Una casa con una cerca blanca simboliza el sueño americano.A house with a white fence symbolizes the American dream.
b. wall (of stone or brick)
Ningún prisionero podría haber escalado las altas cercas de la cárcel.No prisoner could have scaled the high walls of the prison.