Meaning
The action of moving a door to allow passage.
Cultural Background
In Spain, it is common to leave the 'portal' (main building door) open during certain hours in small villages, symbolizing safety and community trust. The phrase 'abrir las puertas de mi casa' is a common way to express deep friendship and welcome into one's family circle. In business culture, 'abrir puertas' is often associated with 'contactos' (networking), which is vital for professional success.
Use 'abierto' for state
If you want to say 'The door is open', use 'La puerta está abierta'. Don't use the verb 'abrir' for a state.
Gender Agreement
Always remember 'la puerta'. Using 'el puerta' is a very common beginner mistake that sounds quite jarring to natives.
Meaning
The action of moving a door to allow passage.
Use 'abierto' for state
If you want to say 'The door is open', use 'La puerta está abierta'. Don't use the verb 'abrir' for a state.
Gender Agreement
Always remember 'la puerta'. Using 'el puerta' is a very common beginner mistake that sounds quite jarring to natives.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'abrir' in the present tense.
Yo siempre _______ la puerta a mis amigos.
The first person singular (Yo) form of 'abrir' is 'abro'.
Which sentence uses the figurative meaning of 'abrir la puerta'?
Choose the best option:
This sentence refers to opportunities and access to new experiences, not a physical door.
Match the Spanish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Basic vocabulary matching.
Complete the dialogue with the correct word.
Invitado: '¡Hola! ¿Hay alguien?' Anfitrión: '¡Sí! Un momento, voy a ______ la puerta.'
To let a guest in, you must 'abrir' (open) the door.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Things you can 'Abrir'
Physical
- • La puerta
- • La ventana
- • Un regalo
Figurative
- • Una oportunidad
- • El corazón
- • Un debate
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo siempre _______ la puerta a mis amigos.
The first person singular (Yo) form of 'abrir' is 'abro'.
Choose the best option:
This sentence refers to opportunities and access to new experiences, not a physical door.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Basic vocabulary matching.
Invitado: '¡Hola! ¿Hay alguien?' Anfitrión: '¡Sí! Un momento, voy a ______ la puerta.'
To let a guest in, you must 'abrir' (open) the door.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, 'abrir el libro' is perfectly correct.
It is neutral. It depends on how you conjugate the verb (Tú vs. Usted).
The opposite is 'cerrar la puerta'.
Related Phrases
Cerrar la puerta
contrastTo close the door.
Tocar a la puerta
similarTo knock on the door.
Abrir paso
builds onTo make way / clear a path.
