Meaning
To cause a door to move to an open position.
Cultural Background
In many Spanish villages, it was common to leave the front door open (puertas abiertas) during the day as a sign of safety and community trust. This is becoming rarer in cities but remains a symbol of rural life. The phrase 'Mi casa es su casa' is the ultimate expression of 'abrir la puerta'. It signifies that there are no barriers between the host and the guest. Networking is often described as 'abrir puertas'. Having a 'padrino' (godfather/mentor) is someone who 'te abre las puertas' in a specific industry.
Use 'abierto' for states
If the door is already open, say 'La puerta está abierta'. Use 'abrir' only for the movement.
Irregular Past
Never say 'abrido'. It's a very common mistake for beginners. Always use 'abierto'.
Meaning
To cause a door to move to an open position.
Use 'abierto' for states
If the door is already open, say 'La puerta está abierta'. Use 'abrir' only for the movement.
Irregular Past
Never say 'abrido'. It's a very common mistake for beginners. Always use 'abierto'.
Figurative 'A'
Always use the preposition 'a' when opening the door to an opportunity: 'Abrir la puerta A algo'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'abrir' in the present tense.
Yo ______ la puerta de mi casa todos los días.
The first person singular form of 'abrir' is 'abro'.
Which sentence uses the correct past participle?
Choose the correct sentence:
'Abierto' is the irregular past participle of 'abrir'.
Match the phrase to its meaning.
'Este curso abre la puerta a un nuevo empleo.'
It refers to an opportunity, not a physical door.
Complete the dialogue.
Juan: '¿Tienes las llaves?' María: 'No, no puedo ______ la puerta.'
If you don't have keys, you cannot open the door.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Abrir vs. Cerrar
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo ______ la puerta de mi casa todos los días.
The first person singular form of 'abrir' is 'abro'.
Choose the correct sentence:
'Abierto' is the irregular past participle of 'abrir'.
'Este curso abre la puerta a un nuevo empleo.'
It refers to an opportunity, not a physical door.
Juan: '¿Tienes las llaves?' María: 'No, no puedo ______ la puerta.'
If you don't have keys, you cannot open the door.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, 'abrir un libro' is perfectly correct.
It is neutral. It works in both formal and informal settings.
Use the reflexive form: 'La puerta se abre'.
The opposite is 'cerrar la puerta'.
Yes, 'abrir una cuenta' is the standard phrase.
Yes, it means 'open' (e.g., 'un libro abierto').
Related Phrases
Cerrar la puerta
contrastTo close the door
Tocar a la puerta
similarTo knock on the door
Puerta cerrada
contrastClosed door
Abrir el corazón
builds onTo open one's heart
