encerrado
Lemma Details
Translation: enclosed; locked up; confined; shut in; secluded; trapped
Part of Speech: adjective
Etymology: Derived from the verb 'encerrar' (to lock up, to enclose), which comes from the prefix 'en-' (in, into) + 'cerrar' (to close). The root 'cerrar' comes from Latin 'serare' (to bolt, to lock), which is related to 'sera' (bolt, bar for closing doors). This shares origins with English words like 'secure' and 'insert', all relating to the concept of closing or locking something.
Commonality: 70%
Guessability: 40%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
El perro ha estado encerrado todo el día.
The dog has been locked up all day.
Me siento encerrado en este trabajo.
I feel trapped in this job.
Vivimos en un valle encerrado entre montañas.
We live in a valley enclosed by mountains.
Los prisioneros encerrados protestaron por las condiciones.
The confined prisoners protested about the conditions.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'en' (in) + 'cerrado' (closed) = 'closed in' or 'enclosed'
- Sounds like 'in-sir-RAH-doh' – imagine someone 'in-sir' a room that's 'RAH-doh' (locked)
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Cultural Context
In Spanish-speaking cultures, 'encerrado' can have both literal meanings (physically confined) and figurative ones (feeling trapped in a situation or relationship). It's commonly used to describe feelings of isolation or confinement, especially in urban settings.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Encerrado' means 'locked up' or 'confined', while 'cerrado' simply means 'closed'. 'Encerrado' implies containment, whereas 'cerrado' just indicates something is not open.
Notes: The prefix 'en-' changes the meaning from simply 'closed' to 'enclosed/confined'.
Mnemonic: 'En-' adds the meaning of 'in' to 'cerrado', so 'encerrado' means 'closed in' rather than just 'closed'.
Explanation: 'Encerrado' means 'confined' or 'locked up', while 'enterrado' means 'buried'.
Notes: Both words start with 'en-' but have completely different meanings and contexts.
Mnemonic: 'Enterrado' contains 'terra' (earth), so it relates to being put in the ground.