vs
QUICK ANSWER
"Cercano" is an adjective which is often translated as "close", and "cerca" is an adverb which is also often translated as "close". Learn more about the difference between "cercano" and "cerca" below.
cercano()
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
1. (not far)
2. (in time)
3. (intimate)
a. close
Hacemos una fiesta en el parque cada año con los amigos cercanos.We have a party in the park every year with our close friends.
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.