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"Cerco" is a form of "cerco", a noun which is often translated as "siege". "Reja" is a noun which is often translated as "bars". Learn more about the difference between "cerco" and "reja" 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.
la reja(
rreh
-
hah
)A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
2. (fence)
a. railing
Se apoyó en la reja del jardín para hablar con su vecino.She leaned against the railing of the garden to talk to her neighbor.
a. plowshare (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
El granjero afiló la reja antes de salir al campo.The farmer sharpened the plowshare before going out into the field.
b. ploughshare (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
El mulo se paró porque la reja se había trabado en una roca.The mule stopped because the ploughshare had got caught on a rock.
