cerrar vs clausurar
Spanish word comparison
Listen to cerrar
Listen to clausurar
| cerrar | clausurar |
|---|---|
/seh-RAR/ verb | //klawsuˈɾar// verb |
| to close or shut (a door, window, program, business, etc.) | to close formally or officially; to shut down (an event, business, establishment, or institution). |
How they differ
Clausurar implies an official, legal, or administrative closing (often permanent or enforced), whereas cerrar is the neutral, general term for closing ordinary things like doors or programs.
When to use each
When to use cerrar: Prefer cerrar for everyday, neutral actions like closing a door, window, program, or a shop informally.
When to use clausurar: Use clausurar when referring to a formal or legal shutdown, the official closure of an event, or when authorities close an establishment.
Side-by-side examples
- Voy a cerrar la puerta antes de salir.
(I'm going to close the door before leaving.) - Las autoridades clausuraron el local por infringir las normas.
(The authorities shut down the premises for violating the regulations.)
Register & nuance: Clausurar is formal and commonly used in legal, administrative, or official contexts.