abrir

Abrir is a Spanish verb meaning to open, uncover, or reveal. It is used for physical actions (opening doors, containers, or windows) as well as for initiating processes (opening a file, a account, a discussion) or making something accessible or possible. The verb derives from Latin aperire and has cognates in other Romance languages, such as Portuguese abrir, Italian aprire, and French ouvrir.

Conjugation and key forms: In the present indicative, abrir appears as abro, abres, abre, abrimos, abrís, abren. The imperfect is abría, abrías, abría, abríamos, abríais, abrían; the preterite is abrí, abriste, abrió, abrimos, abristeis, abrieron. The past participle is abierto, used with haber to form perfect tenses (he abierto, has abierto, etc.). The gerund is abriendo. The verb is regular in many tenses, but the past participle abierto is irregular.

Usage and scope: Abrir covers a wide range of meanings. Literally, it envisions the act of making something previously closed accessible: abrir una puerta, una ventana, un frasco. It also applies to non-physical openings, such as abrir un archivo, abrir una sesión, abrir una cuenta, or abrir un negocio. Figuratively, abrir can mean to start considering or accepting something (abrirse a ideas, abrirse a alguien) or to create opportunities (abrir camino, abrir una posibilidad). The opposite action is cerrar.

Derivations and related terms: Reflexive uses exist, such as abrirse, meaning to open oneself or to become more accessible. Related nouns include apertura (opening) and abrirse camino (to make one's way).