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"Cerca" is a form of "cerca", an adverb which is often translated as "close". "Lejano" is an adjective which is often translated as "distant". Learn more about the difference between "lejano" and "cerca" below.
lejano(
leh
-
hah
-
noh
)
An adjective is a word that describes a noun (e.g., the big dog).
adjective
a. distant
Estas historias de hadas fueron escritas en un país lejano.These fairy tales were written in a distant country.
a. distant
Algunos predicen grandes desastres climáticos en un futuro no muy lejano.Some predict major climate disasters in the not too distant future.
a. distant
Descubrimos que somos parientes lejanos.We found out we are distant relatives.
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cerca(
sehr
-
kah
)
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
adverb
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).
feminine noun
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.
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