When you want to say 'to close' in Portuguese, you might already know 'fechar'. But sometimes, you'll hear or see 'cerrar'.
Think of 'cerrar' as closing something firmly or tightly. It's a stronger way to say 'close'.
For example, if you close a door gently, you might say 'fechar a porta'. But if you close it with a bit more force, perhaps because of a strong wind, you could say 'cerrar a porta'.
You'll often hear it with things like your eyes ('cerrar os olhos') or fists ('cerrar os punhos'). It implies a deliberate and firm action of bringing things together or making an opening smaller.
When you want to express the action of closing something firmly or tightly in Portuguese, you use the verb cerrar. This isn't just a gentle closing; it implies a more forceful or complete closure. You might use it for things like closing your fist tightly or closing your eyes against a bright light. It's a versatile verb for when a simple 'fechar' doesn't quite capture the intensity of the action.
When you hear cerrar, think 'close tightly.' It’s stronger than just fechar. You'll often see it with things that need a bit more force to close, like a fist (cerrar o punho) or your teeth (cerrar os dentes). It can also mean to narrow your eyes (cerrar os olhos) or to pull a curtain shut.
When learning Portuguese, you'll encounter verbs that have multiple meanings depending on context. Cerrar is one such verb. While it primarily means to close, especially firmly or tightly, its usage extends beyond simply shutting a door. You might hear it in expressions like cerrar os punhos (to clench one's fists) or cerrar os olhos (to close one's eyes tightly, often in concentration or pain).
Understanding these nuanced uses is crucial for achieving fluency. It's not just about memorizing definitions, but also about recognizing how verbs like cerrar contribute to idiomatic expressions. Pay attention to the prepositions and accompanying nouns, as they often dictate the precise meaning.
cerrar in 30 Sekunden
- Use 'cerrar' when something is closed with force.
- It's like 'to shut' or 'to clench' something tightly.
- Often used for eyes, fists, or doors that are securely closed.
§ Understanding "Cerrar"
The Portuguese verb "cerrar" means to close something firmly or tightly. It's an A2 level word, so it's quite useful to know as you advance in your Portuguese studies. While it shares a similar meaning with "fechar," "cerrar" often implies a more forceful or complete closing. Think of it as shutting something with a bit more intention.
- Definition
- To close firmly or tightly.
§ "Cerrar" in Everyday Conversations
You'll hear "cerrar" in many different contexts. Let's look at some common situations where this verb is used naturally.
Work: In a work environment, you might hear it when referring to closing a deal or a project.
Precisamos cerrar este contrato até o final do dia. (We need to close this contract by the end of the day.)
School: In a school setting, it could be used for closing a book firmly or even an academic year.
O professor pediu para cerrar os livros. (The teacher asked to close the books firmly.)
A escola vai cerrar as suas portas para o verão. (The school will close its doors for the summer.)
News: In news reports, you might encounter "cerrar" when discussing closing investigations or even borders.
A polícia decidiu cerrar o caso após novas evidências. (The police decided to close the case after new evidence.)
O governo planeja cerrar as fronteiras temporariamente. (The government plans to close the borders temporarily.)
"Cerrar" is also frequently used when talking about body parts, like closing your eyes or teeth tightly.
Ele cerrou os olhos com força. (He closed his eyes tightly.)
É importante cerrar os dentes quando se come algo crocante. (It's important to clench your teeth when eating something crunchy.)
§ Common Phrases with "Cerrar"
Here are a few common phrases where "cerrar" is used:
Cerrar fileiras: To close ranks, to unite in support.
A equipe precisa cerrar fileiras para vencer o campeonato. (The team needs to close ranks to win the championship.)
Cerrar com chave de ouro: To end with a golden key, to conclude something successfully.
Eles conseguiram cerrar o projeto com chave de ouro. (They managed to close the project with a golden key.)
By understanding these common uses, you'll be able to recognize and use "cerrar" more effectively in your Portuguese conversations. Keep practicing, and soon it will feel natural!
§ Mistakes people make with "cerrar"
"Cerrar" means to close firmly or tightly, and while it seems straightforward, learners often make a few common mistakes. Let's look at how to avoid them.
§ Mistake 1: Using "cerrar" for all types of closing
One of the most frequent errors is using "cerrar" for every instance of "to close." In Portuguese, you use "fechar" for general closing (like a door, a book, or a shop). "Cerrar" has a stronger connotation of closing something tightly, firmly, or even forcefully.
- Wrong Example
- Eu cerrei a porta. (I closed the door.)
Eu fechei a porta. (I closed the door.)
However, if you're talking about a wound or a fist, "cerrar" is perfect:
Ele cerrou o punho. (He closed his fist tightly.)
§ Mistake 2: Confusing "cerrar" with "encerrar"
While similar, "encerrar" means to conclude, to end, or to confine. "Cerrar" is about physically closing something tightly.
- Wrong Example
- Vamos cerrar a reunião. (Let's close the meeting.)
Vamos encerrar a reunião. (Let's conclude the meeting.)
§ Mistake 3: Incorrect prepositions or contexts
Sometimes the mistake isn't in the verb itself but in how it's used with other words. Remember that "cerrar" implies a tight or firm closure. If that's not the meaning, consider other verbs.
Using "cerrar" when "tapar" (to cover/block) is better:
- Wrong Example
- Por favor, cerre o buraco. (Please, close the hole.)
Por favor, tape o buraco. (Please, cover/block the hole.)
Using "cerrar" when "juntar" (to join/bring together) is better:
- Wrong Example
- Ele cerrou as mãos em oração. (He closed his hands in prayer.)
Ele juntou as mãos em oração. (He joined his hands in prayer.)
§ Key takeaway
Always remember the core meaning of "cerrar": to close firmly or tightly. If the closure isn't firm or tight, chances are another verb like "fechar" or "tapar" is more appropriate. Pay attention to the context and what you are trying to convey.
Beispiele nach Niveau
Ele cerrou os olhos para ver melhor.
He closed his eyes to see better.
Past tense of 'cerrar'.
Ela cerrou os punhos com raiva.
She clenched her fists in anger.
Past tense of 'cerrar'.
Por favor, cerre a porta.
Please close the door tightly.
Imperative form of 'cerrar'.
Ele cerra os dentes quando está estressado.
He clenches his teeth when he's stressed.
Present tense of 'cerrar'.
A loja cerra às seis da tarde.
The store closes at six in the evening.
Present tense of 'cerrar'.
Você pode cerrar a janela, por favor?
Can you close the window, please?
Infinitive of 'cerrar' with 'poder'.
O banco cerra para o almoço.
The bank closes for lunch.
Present tense of 'cerrar'.
Vamos cerrar o acordo amanhã.
We will close the deal tomorrow.
Infinitive of 'cerrar' with future meaning.
Ele cerrou os punhos com raiva.
He clenched his fists with anger.
Por favor, cerre a porta quando sair.
Please close the door tightly when you leave.
Ela cerrou os olhos para ver melhor.
She narrowed her eyes to see better.
O ferreiro cerra o metal com força.
The blacksmith grips the metal tightly.
Vamos cerrar fileiras para avançar.
Let's close ranks to move forward.
Idiomatic expression
Ele cerrou a mandíbula, determinado.
He clenched his jaw, determined.
Certifique-se de cerrar bem a caixa.
Make sure to close the box firmly.
A criança cerrou os dentes para não chorar.
The child gritted their teeth to avoid crying.
Ele cerrou os olhos para se proteger da luz forte.
He closed his eyes firmly to protect himself from the strong light.
cerrar used reflexively: 'cerrar os olhos' (to close one's eyes)
Por favor, cerre a porta quando sair para que o cachorro não fuja.
Please, close the door tightly when you leave so the dog doesn't escape.
imperative form of 'cerrar'
O vento estava tão forte que tive que cerrar as janelas.
The wind was so strong that I had to close the windows tightly.
past tense (pretérito perfeito simples)
Ela cerrou os punhos de raiva.
She clenched her fists in anger.
common collocation: 'cerrar os punhos' (to clench one's fists)
A equipe cerrou fileiras contra os adversários.
The team closed ranks against the opponents.
idiomatic expression: 'cerrar fileiras' (to close ranks)
Você precisa cerrar bem o frasco para que o líquido não derrame.
You need to close the bottle tightly so the liquid doesn't spill.
infinitive used after 'precisar de'
Ele cerrou o livro com um barulho alto.
He closed the book loudly.
past tense (pretérito perfeito simples)
Os soldados cerraram as portas da fortaleza antes do ataque.
The soldiers closed the fortress doors tightly before the attack.
past tense (pretérito perfeito simples)
Ele cerrou os punhos com raiva.
He clenched his fists in anger.
A criança cerrou os olhos com força para não chorar.
The child squeezed her eyes shut tightly so as not to cry.
Os soldados cerraram fileiras e avançaram.
The soldiers closed ranks and advanced.
Por favor, cerre a porta para que o vento não entre.
Please close the door tightly so the wind doesn't come in.
Ela cerrou os lábios, decidida a não falar.
She pressed her lips together, determined not to speak.
É preciso cerrar o círculo em torno do inimigo.
It's necessary to close the circle around the enemy.
Depois de muito pensar, ele cerrou um acordo com o cliente.
After much thought, he sealed a deal with the client.
O frio fez com que as janelas se cerrassem um pouco.
The cold caused the windows to close a bit more tightly.
Ele cerrou os punhos com raiva, sentindo a frustração borbulhar dentro de si.
He clenched his fists in anger, feeling the frustration bubble up within him.
cerrar os punhos: to clench one's fists
Ao ouvir a notícia terrível, ela cerrou os olhos com força, como se quisesse apagar o mundo ao seu redor.
Upon hearing the terrible news, she tightly closed her eyes, as if wanting to erase the world around her.
cerrar os olhos: to close one's eyes tightly
O velho carpinteiro cerrou as tábuas com tanta precisão que a junção ficou quase invisível.
The old carpenter joined the boards so precisely that the joint was almost invisible.
cerrar as tábuas: to join boards tightly
Com o coração apertado, ele cerrou os dentes, determinado a não mostrar sua dor.
With a heavy heart, he gritted his teeth, determined not to show his pain.
cerrar os dentes: to grit one's teeth
A polícia cercou o perímetro, cerrando o cerco em torno dos suspeitos.
The police surrounded the perimeter, tightening the cordon around the suspects.
cerrar o cerco: to tighten the cordon/net
O navio cerrou as velas antes da tempestade, preparando-se para o pior.
The ship furled its sails before the storm, preparing for the worst.
cerrar as velas: to furl the sails
Ele cerrou a porta do armário com um baque, aborrecido com a bagunça que encontrou.
He slammed the closet door shut with a thud, annoyed by the mess he found.
cerrar a porta: to close the door firmly/to slam the door
Mesmo diante da adversidade, ela cerrou fileiras com seus colegas, unidos para enfrentar o desafio.
Even in the face of adversity, she closed ranks with her colleagues, united to face the challenge.
cerrar fileiras: to close ranks
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
Por favor, cerre a porta quando sair.
Please, close the door (firmly) when you leave.
Ela cerrou os olhos para se proteger do sol.
She closed her eyes (tightly) to protect herself from the sun.
Cerrei os punhos com raiva.
I clenched my fists with anger.
É importante cerrar bem a tampa para não vazar.
It's important to close the lid well (tightly) so it doesn't leak.
Ele cerrou os dentes de dor.
He clenched his teeth in pain.
Temos que cerrar fileiras e trabalhar juntos.
We have to close ranks (unite) and work together.
Cerre a janela antes que comece a chover.
Close the window (firmly) before it starts to rain.
A criança cerrou a boca e não quis falar.
The child closed his mouth (firmly) and didn't want to speak.
Cerre as cortinas para escurecer o quarto.
Close the curtains (tightly) to darken the room.
Ao terminar de ler, cerre o livro.
When you finish reading, close the book (firmly).
Tipps
Cerrar vs. Fechar
While both 'cerrar' and 'fechar' mean 'to close', 'cerrar' implies a stronger, more definite closing. Think of it as 'to shut tightly'. 'Fechar' is the more common, general word for closing.
Common Usage: Eyes
One of the most frequent uses of 'cerrar' is with eyes. 'Cerrar os olhos' means 'to close one's eyes'. Example: 'Ele cerrou os olhos com força.' (He closed his eyes tightly.)
Common Usage: Fists/Hands
You'll often hear 'cerrar os punhos' (to clench one's fists) or 'cerrar as mãos' (to close one's hands tightly). Example: 'Ela cerrou os punhos de raiva.' (She clenched her fists in anger.)
Common Usage: Teeth
Another common phrase is 'cerrar os dentes' (to clench one's teeth). This often implies determination or pain. Example: 'Ele cerrou os dentes para não gritar.' (He clenched his teeth not to scream.)
Less Common: Doors/Windows
While technically correct, using 'cerrar' for doors or windows ('cerrar a porta', 'cerrar a janela') is less common than 'fechar'. It would imply shutting them very firmly or forcefully. 'Fechar' is the usual word for simply closing them.
Formal Contexts
In more formal or literary contexts, 'cerrar' might be used to convey a sense of finality or emphasis. For example, 'cerrar um acordo' (to seal an agreement).
Conjugation Reminder
'Cerrar' is a regular verb. The present tense conjugation for 'eu' is 'eu cerro', for 'você/ele/ela' is 'você/ele/ela cerra', and for 'nós' is 'nós cerramos'. Practice these forms to get comfortable.
Avoid Overuse
Don't replace every 'fechar' with 'cerrar'. Remember, 'cerrar' has that extra nuance of firmness or tightness. Use it when you want to convey that specific meaning, especially for eyes, fists, or teeth.
Listen for Context
Pay attention to native speakers. When do they use 'cerrar' instead of 'fechar'? You'll notice it's almost always in situations where something is being closed very tightly or emphatically.
Practice Sentences
Create your own sentences using 'cerrar' in different contexts. For example: 'Eu cerro a mão quando estou nervoso.' (I clench my hand when I'm nervous.) This helps solidify your understanding.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Closing your hand/fist
- Ele cerrou o punho com raiva.
- Ela cerrou a mão para segurar o lápis com mais firmeza.
- Ao ouvir a notícia, cerrei os dedos.
Closing your eyes tightly
- Cerrei os olhos para me proteger da luz forte.
- Com medo, cerrou os olhos e esperou.
- Ele cerrou os olhos para se concentrar.
Closing teeth/jaw tightly
- Cerrou os dentes para não gritar de dor.
- Ela cerrou a mandíbula em sinal de frustração.
- Quando ficou nervoso, ele cerrava os dentes.
Closing a book/document
- Ele cerrou o livro depois de ler a última página.
- Por favor, cerre o documento quando terminar de ler.
- Ao final da reunião, o presidente cerrou o expediente.
Closing a line/rank
- Os soldados cerraram fileiras para defender a posição.
- Eles cerraram o cerco ao inimigo.
- Para manter a ordem, o grupo cerrou as linhas.
Gesprächseinstiege
"Você já cerrou os punhos de raiva alguma vez? O que aconteceu?"
"Em que situações você cerra os olhos? Por que faz isso?"
"Qual é a diferença entre 'fechar' e 'cerrar'? Você consegue me dar um exemplo?"
"Você consegue pensar em alguma frase onde 'cerrar' seja usado em um contexto diferente dos que vimos aqui?"
"Qual foi a última coisa que você 'cerrou' hoje?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Descreva uma situação em que você precisou 'cerrar os dentes' para lidar com algo difícil.
Escreva sobre um momento em que você 'cerrou os olhos' para se concentrar ou evitar algo.
Pense em um objeto que você 'cerra' com frequência. Por que você o faz?
Como a ação de 'cerrar' pode expressar emoções? Dê exemplos.
Em um dia típico, quantas vezes você usa ou observa alguém 'cerrando' algo?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenBoth 'cerrar' and 'fechar' mean 'to close.' However, 'cerrar' implies a firmer, tighter closure. Think of 'cerrar' as to shut tightly, while 'fechar' is a more general to close. For example, you might 'fechar a porta' (close the door) gently, but you would 'cerrar a porta' (shut the door firmly) if you want to make sure it's really closed.
Yes, you can! 'Cerrar os olhos' means to close one's eyes tightly, often in an expressive way, like when concentrating or in pain. If you just mean to generally close your eyes, 'fechar os olhos' is more common.
Yes, 'cerrar o guarda-chuva' is a perfectly valid way to say to close an umbrella firmly. It suggests you're folding it up completely and securely.
'Cerrar a mão' means to clench your hand or make a fist. It implies a tight, forceful action, as if you're gripping something or preparing to strike.
It is, but it's often used when you want to emphasize the tightness or firmness of the closure. For more general 'to close' situations, 'fechar' is more frequently used. So, 'cerrar' adds a specific nuance.
Yes, it can. For instance, 'cerrar fileiras' means to close ranks or stand united, often in a challenging situation. It still conveys the idea of a tight, unified closure.
In some contexts, especially in older or more literary Portuguese, 'cerrar' can also mean to thicken or to become dense, like 'a neblina cerrou' (the fog thickened). However, for A2 level, focus on the 'to close tightly' meaning.
'Cerrar' is a regular -ar verb. For example, in the present tense: eu cerro, tu cerras, ele/ela cerra, nós cerramos, vós cerrais, eles/elas cerram. It's quite straightforward.
Here's one: 'Ele cerrou os punhos de raiva.' (He clenched his fists in anger.) This shows the strong, tight action.
Besides 'cerrar os olhos' and 'cerrar as mãos,' another common one is 'cerrar fileiras' as mentioned earlier. It's not as versatile as 'fechar,' but these specific uses are important to know.
Teste dich selbst 54 Fragen
Write a short sentence telling someone to close the door firmly.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Por favor, cerrar a porta. (Please, close the door.)
Imagine you are cold. Write a sentence asking someone to close the window tightly.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Pode cerrar a janela? Estou com frio. (Can you close the window? I'm cold.)
Write a simple sentence about closing a book.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Eu vou cerrar o livro. (I am going to close the book.)
O que Ana pediu a Pedro para fazer?
Read this passage:
Ana e Pedro estão na sala. Ana diz: 'Pedro, por favor, pode cerrar a janela? Está muito vento.' Pedro vai até a janela e a fecha.
O que Ana pediu a Pedro para fazer?
Ana asked Pedro to close the window because it was windy.
Ana asked Pedro to close the window because it was windy.
O que João deve fazer com o livro depois de ler?
Read this passage:
A mãe de João diz: 'João, quando você terminar de ler, não esqueça de cerrar o livro.' João gosta de ler antes de dormir.
O que João deve fazer com o livro depois de ler?
João's mother told him to close the book after reading.
João's mother told him to close the book after reading.
Por que Maria precisa cerrar a porta da cozinha?
Read this passage:
Maria está na cozinha. Ela quer dormir, mas a porta da cozinha está aberta. Ela precisa cerrar a porta para que não entre luz no quarto.
Por que Maria precisa cerrar a porta da cozinha?
Maria wants to close the door so no light enters her room while she sleeps.
Maria wants to close the door so no light enters her room while she sleeps.
This is a polite way to ask someone to close the door firmly. 'Por favor' means 'please'.
'Ela' means 'she', 'sempre' means 'always', and 'as janelas' means 'the windows'.
'Você pode' means 'can you' and 'a mão' means 'the hand'. This asks someone to make a fist.
Ele sempre ___ os olhos quando está cansado. (He always ___ his eyes when he's tired.)
The verb 'cerrar' means to close firmly. In this context, it refers to closing one's eyes tightly due to tiredness.
Por favor, ___ a porta com força para que ninguém entre. (Please ___ the door firmly so no one enters.)
Here, 'cerrar' is used in the imperative form, asking someone to close the door firmly.
A loja ___ às seis da tarde. (The shop ___ at six in the evening.)
When referring to a shop closing for the day, 'cerrar' is a common and appropriate verb.
Você deve ___ o punho para se proteger. (You should ___ your fist to protect yourself.)
'Cerrar el puño' is a common idiom meaning to clench one's fist.
O vento fez a janela ___. (The wind made the window ___.)
In this passive construction, 'cerrar' indicates that the wind caused the window to close tightly.
É importante ___ bem a tampa para não derramar. (It's important to ___ the lid well so it doesn't spill.)
'Cerrar bem' means to close tightly or securely, which is crucial for preventing spills.
This sentence describes the slow closing of eyes, using 'cerraram-se' for 'closed firmly'.
Here, 'cerrar' means 'to close firmly' the door.
This is a polite request to 'close firmly' the window, using the imperative form of 'cerrar'.
A porta rangeu quando ele a ____ fortemente.
'Cerrar' means to close firmly. 'Cerrou' is the past tense form of 'cerrar', fitting the context of closing a creaking door tightly.
Ela ___ os olhos para se concentrar no som distante. (She ___ her eyes to focus on the distant sound.)
'Cerrar' is often used when closing eyes tightly for focus or against light.
Por favor, ___ a janela para evitar que o vento entre. (Please ___ the window to prevent the wind from coming in.)
'Cerrar' implies closing something completely or tightly, which is appropriate for keeping wind out.
O lutador ___ os punhos antes de subir ao ringue. (The fighter ___ his fists before entering the ring.)
'Cerrar' is commonly used for making a fist, meaning to clench or close tightly.
Devido ao frio, ___ todas as frestas da casa. (Due to the cold, ___ all the gaps in the house.)
'Cerrar' implies sealing or closing gaps tightly to prevent cold from entering.
Quando o chefe entrou, todos ___ a boca. (When the boss entered, everyone ___ their mouths.)
'Cerrar a boca' is an idiom meaning to stop talking or to keep quiet.
The strong wind made the door close firmly.
Can you close the window tightly so rain doesn't come in?
He clenched his fists in anger.
Read this aloud:
Por favor, cerrar a porta quando sair.
Focus: cerrar
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
Eu sempre cerro a gaveta com cuidado.
Focus: cerro
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Read this aloud:
É importante cerrar bem a tampa da panela de pressão.
Focus: cerrar
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Após a discussão acalorada, ele decidiu ___ a porta do quarto com força, buscando isolamento.
'Cerrar' significa fechar com força, que se encaixa perfeitamente no contexto de buscar isolamento após uma discussão.
Ameaçado pela tempestade iminente, o capitão ordenou que a tripulação ___ todas as escotilhas para evitar inundações.
Nesse contexto, 'cerrar' as escotilhas significa fechá-las hermeticamente para proteger contra a tempestade, que é o sentido preciso de 'cerrar'.
Diante da notícia chocante, ela não conseguiu conter as lágrimas e precisou ___ os olhos para tentar controlar a emoção.
Aqui, 'cerrar os olhos' implica fechá-los com força, muitas vezes em resposta a uma emoção intensa, o que é um uso comum de 'cerrar'.
Para garantir a segurança dos documentos confidenciais, o funcionário fez questão de ___ o cofre antes de sair do escritório.
'Cerrar o cofre' significa fechá-lo de forma segura e firme, enfatizando a proteção dos documentos.
Com a queda brusca da temperatura, o guarda-florestal instruiu os campistas a ___ bem as barracas para se protegerem do frio rigoroso.
'Cerrar as barracas' significa fechá-las bem e firmemente para reter o calor e oferecer proteção contra o frio.
Ainda abalada pela discussão, ela optou por ___ a persiana da janela, impedindo a entrada de qualquer luz externa e buscando recolhimento.
Neste contexto, 'cerrar a persiana' significa fechá-la completamente e com firmeza, reforçando a ideia de busca por privacidade e recolhimento.
Após a discussão acalorada, ele decidiu ___ a porta com força, deixando claro seu descontentamento.
To 'cerrar a porta' means to close the door firmly or tightly, which fits the context of expressing displeasure after an argument.
Ameaçado pela tempestade iminente, o marinheiro apressou-se em ___ as escotilhas do navio.
In this context, 'cerrar as escotilhas' refers to firmly closing the ship's hatches to protect against the storm.
Para evitar que o vento entrasse, era preciso ___ as janelas com todo o cuidado.
'Cerrar as janelas' means to close the windows tightly to prevent the wind from entering.
Quando alguém diz 'cerrar fileiras', significa que estão se afastando uns dos outros.
'Cerrar fileiras' is an idiom meaning to close ranks, or to unite and stand together, the opposite of moving apart.
Se um texto descreve 'cerrar os olhos', implica que a pessoa está abrindo os olhos para ver melhor.
'Cerrar os olhos' means to close one's eyes, not to open them. It often implies a deliberate act of shutting them firmly.
A expressão 'cerrar o punho' indica um gesto de abrir a mão para cumprimentar alguém.
'Cerrar o punho' means to clench one's fist, often indicating anger or determination, not to open one's hand for a handshake.
The locksmith had to close the gate firmly.
Upon hearing the noise, he closed his eyes tightly in fear.
Will he close the deal before the deadline?
Read this aloud:
Por favor, cerre a porta para que o vento não entre.
Focus: cerre
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Read this aloud:
Ele cerrou os punhos em um gesto de raiva contida.
Focus: cerrou
Du hast gesagt:
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Read this aloud:
É importante cerrar a boca quando se fala sobre segredos.
Focus: cerrar
Du hast gesagt:
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/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Remember 'cerrar' means to close something firmly, much like a strong 'shut' in English.
- Use 'cerrar' when something is closed with force.
- It's like 'to shut' or 'to clench' something tightly.
- Often used for eyes, fists, or doors that are securely closed.
Cerrar vs. Fechar
While both 'cerrar' and 'fechar' mean 'to close', 'cerrar' implies a stronger, more definite closing. Think of it as 'to shut tightly'. 'Fechar' is the more common, general word for closing.
Common Usage: Eyes
One of the most frequent uses of 'cerrar' is with eyes. 'Cerrar os olhos' means 'to close one's eyes'. Example: 'Ele cerrou os olhos com força.' (He closed his eyes tightly.)
Common Usage: Fists/Hands
You'll often hear 'cerrar os punhos' (to clench one's fists) or 'cerrar as mãos' (to close one's hands tightly). Example: 'Ela cerrou os punhos de raiva.' (She clenched her fists in anger.)
Common Usage: Teeth
Another common phrase is 'cerrar os dentes' (to clench one's teeth). This often implies determination or pain. Example: 'Ele cerrou os dentes para não gritar.' (He clenched his teeth not to scream.)
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