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"Cerco" is a form of "cerco", a noun which is often translated as "siege". "Cerca" is a form of "cerca", an adverb which is often translated as "close". Learn more about the difference between "cerco" and "cerca" below.
el cerco(
sehr
-
koh
)A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
1. (military)
a. siege
El ejército puso cerco a la ciudad para que nadie pudiera salir.The army laid a siege to the city so that no one could leave.
2. (mark)
a. ring
El cerco que ha dejado la botella de vino en el mantel será difícil de limpiar.The ring left by the wine bottle on the tablecloth will be difficult to remove.
a. halo
En la foto era visible el cerco del sol.In the picture I took you could see the halo of the sun.
4. (barrier) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
5. (technical) (hoop)
A word or phrase that is only used by experts, professionals, or academics in a particular field (e.g., exposition).
a. rim
El cerco de la rueda estaba defectuoso y por eso la bici no andaba bien.The rim of the wheel was faulty and that's why the bike didn't work well.
a. frame
El cerco no sustentaba la ventana porque no estaba bien hecho.The frame couldn't support the window because it wasn't well done.
cerca(
sehr
-
kah
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
1. (not far)
a. close
El hotel está realmente cerca, así mejor comemos allí.The hotel is really close, so let's just eat lunch there.
b. near
Dice tu hermano que ya está cerca a la estación y que nos puede recoger.Your brother says he's near the station and that he can pick us up.
c. nearby
Mi casa está cerca, pero te aviso que es un desastre.My house is nearby, but I have to warn you that it's a mess.
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.
