Close the door
This is the formal command, used when addressing someone as 'usted' (an elder, a stranger, a boss).
This is the plural command, used in Latin America to address a group of people ('ustedes').
A polite way to ask, meaning 'Can you close the door?'. It's less direct than a command.
It's cold. Close the door, please.
Sir, can you close the door on your way out?
Kids, close the door. There's a lot of noise outside.
The dog is going to get out. Close the door quickly!
The phrases 'Cierra la puerta' (informal singular), 'Cierre la puerta' (formal singular), and 'Cierren la puerta' (plural) are understood universally in the Spanish-speaking world.
In Spain, for the informal plural (addressing a group of friends), you would use 'Cerrad la puerta'. 'Cierren la puerta' is reserved for the formal plural ('ustedes').
In regions with 'voseo', the informal singular command changes to 'Cerrá la puerta'. The accent shifts to the final syllable.
Standard Latin American Spanish usage applies. 'Cierra' is for 'tú' (informal), 'Cierre' is for 'usted' (formal), and 'Cierren' is for 'ustedes' (plural, both formal and informal).
Using 'cerca' instead of 'cierra'. For example: 'Cerca la puerta'. — 'Cerca' is an adverb meaning 'near' or 'close to'. The verb 'to close' is 'cerrar'. The correct command form is 'cierra' (for tú) or 'cierre' (for usted).
Using the infinitive form 'cerrar' as a command. For example: 'Cerrar la puerta, por favor'. — While sometimes seen on signs, in spoken language you must conjugate the verb for a command. Use 'Cierra' (informal) or 'Cierre' (formal).
Pronouncing 'cierra' with a soft 'r' sound. — The 'rr' in 'cierra' requires a trilled or rolled 'R' sound, which is stronger than the single 'r' in 'puerta'. Practice the 'rr' sound to be understood clearly.
Found this useful? Save it for later.
how to say turn on the light in spanish
phrase