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"Lejos" is an adverb which is often translated as "far away", and "cerca" is an adverb which is often translated as "close". Learn more about the difference between "lejos" and "cerca" below.
lejos(
leh
-
hohs
)An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
3. (by far) (Bolivia) (Colombia) (Southern Cone)
Regionalism used in Bolivia
Regionalism used in Colombia
a. far and away
Tú eres de lejos la mejor de la clase de mate.You are far and away the best in math class.
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.
