cerrase

Cerrase is the imperfect subjunctive form of the Spanish verb cerrar, meaning to close. It is used in subordinate clauses to express doubt, hypothetical situations, wishes, or actions that did not occur in the past. The imperfect subjunctive has two common endings: -ra and -se. Corresponding forms include yo cerrara / yo cerrase, tú cerraras / cerrases, él cerrara / cerrase, and so on. Both variants are correct and widely used; regional and stylistic preferences determine which form is more common.

Etymology and background: cerrar derives from the Spanish verb family related to closing or locking objects. Cerrarse as a form comes from the same root and is confined to the imperfect subjunctive mood in its -ra or -se variants.

Conjugation notes: In the -ra pattern, first-person and third-person singular forms are cerrara. In the -se pattern, the corresponding forms are cerrase. The choice between -ra and -se is largely a matter of regional habit and tone; both convey the same mood and time frame.

Usage examples: Si yo cerrara la ventana, no entraría el frío. No creía que él cerrase la puerta a esa hora. Quería que cerrara la tienda antes de las ocho.

See also: cerrar, imperfect subjunctive, Spanish grammar.