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"Cerrar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to close", and "abrir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to open". Learn more about the difference between "cerrar" and "abrir" below.
cerrar(
seh
-
rrahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
2. (to cover)
a. to conclude
Cerraron el acuerdo de cooperación el 23 de marzo.The cooperation agreement was concluded on March 23rd.
a. to turn off
Puedes cerrar el gas en la válvula de cierre principal.You can turn the gas off at the main shut-off valve.
5. (to switch off) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. to close
Tuvimos que cerrar el negocio porque no era rentable.We had to close the business because it wasn't profitable.
b. to shut down
¿Crees que acabarán cerrando la discoteca?Do you think they'll end up shutting down the nightclub?
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
b. to close up
Me corté la mano pero la herida ya cerró.I cut my hand, but the wound already closed up.
cerrarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
11. (weather)
a. to become overcast
El cielo se está cerrando. Espero que no llueva.The sky is becoming overcast. I hope it doesn't rain.
12. (to get dark)
13. (clothing)
b. to button up
Debes cerrarte bien la chamarra antes de salir.You should button your jacket up properly before going out.
14. (to get better)
a. to heal
La herida no se cierra sola y por eso hay que suturarla.The wound isn't healing on its own so we'll need to stitch it up.
a. to shut down
Cada vez que se lo comento, se cierra y cambia de tema.Every time I mention it to her, she shuts down and changes the subject.
abrir(
ah
-
breer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to open
Llamé a la puerta pero nadie vino a abrirla.I knocked at the door, but nobody came to open it.
2. (to unwrap)
3. (to uncover)
a. to open
Ten cuidado al abrir la botella que se había sacudido.Be careful opening the bottle; it has been shaken up.
4. (to extend)
a. to open
Agarra el pájaro de manera que no pueda abrir sus alas.Hold the bird so that it can't open its wings.
a. to open
Abre las cortinas y deja que entre la luz del sol.Open the curtains and let the sunshine in.
6. (to access)
a. to open
Abre el diccionario y busca tu palabra favorita.Open the dictionary and look up your favorite word.
7. (to unblock)
a. to clear
Abrieron camino en la nieve desde la entrada de su cabaña.They cleared a path through the snow from the door of their cabin.
8. (to lead)
a. to open
El presidente abrió el debate con un breve discurso.The president opened the debate with a brief speech.
a. to whet
Los olores de la cocina le abrieron el apetito.The smell from the kitchen whetted his appetite.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
10. (to set up)
a. to open
El museo abre a las 11 de la mañana los domingos.The museum opens at 11 in the morning on Sundays.
abrirse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
a. to open up
¿Por qué es tan difícil conseguir que se abra?Why is it so hard to get him to open up?
13. (to break open)
14. (slang) (to leave)
A very informal word or phrase used by a particular group or community as a substitute for standard language (e.g., joint, john).
a. to be off (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
Es medianoche ya. - Lo sé. Me abro después de terminar esta cerveza.It's midnight already. - I know. I'm off after this beer.
b. to get out
Bueno, ya me harté de usted. ¡Ábrase de aquí!OK, I've had enough of you. Get out of here!
15. (to abandon) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
a. to be out (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
No me interesa seguir; me abro.I'm not interested in carrying on; I'm out.
