What does abrir in Spanish mean?

What is the meaning of the word abrir in Spanish? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use abrir in Spanish.

The word abrir in Spanish means open, open, unwrap, open, open, open, turn on, open, open, open, open, drill, sink, open, whet, begin, launch, head, lead, open up, be open, take a curve wide, crack, begin taking testimony, begin hearing testimony, open a gap, make a breakthrough, make inroads, hit home, pave the way, open wide enough, open wide, open your heart, open your heart, open the mail, open the mail, open the post, snitch, open your mouth, slit open, open Pandora's box, open the door, open the door, open your doors, open the meeting, open the session, spread your legs, open your legs, listen carefully, pay close attention, open 's eyes, open new doors, open up doors, open for business, log in, open your heart, open up a bank account, in the blink of an eye. To learn more, please see the details below.

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Meaning of the word abrir

open

verbo transitivo (puertas, ventanas)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Si estás solo en la casa, ¡nunca le abras la puerta a un extraño!
If you are home alone, never open the door to a stranger.

open, unwrap

verbo transitivo (objeto: quitar la envoltura)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
La cara de un niño se ilumina cuando abre un regalo.
Children's faces light up when they open (or: unwrap) a present.

open

verbo transitivo (destapar: frasco, envase)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Quiero abrir una botella de vino, ¿me prestas tu sacacorchos?
I want to open a bottle of wine. Can you pass me the corkscrew?

open

verbo transitivo (extender, desplegar)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Los supersticiosos creen que es de mala suerte abrir un paraguas dentro de la casa.
Superstitious people believe that it is bad luck to open an umbrella indoors.

open

verbo transitivo (descorrer: cortinas, telón) (to the side)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Todas las mañanas abro las cortinas de mi recámara para que entre el sol.
Every morning, I open the bedroom curtains to let the sunlight in.

turn on

verbo transitivo (activar: llave, grifo)

(phrasal verb, transitive, separable: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning, divisible--for example, "call off" [=cancel], "call the game off," "call off the game.")
Cuida el agua, enjabona en seco los platos y abre la llave del agua sólo para enjuagarlos.
Conserve water: soap the dishes, then turn on the faucet to rinse them.

open

verbo transitivo (libros, revistas)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
El maestro dijo a los estudiantes, "abran su libro en la página 31".
The teacher told the students, "Open your books at page 31."

open

verbo transitivo (inaugurar: negocios)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Una famosa pizzería abrió ayer una sucursal en nuestra ciudad.
Yesterday, a famous pizzeria chain opened a branch in our town.

open

verbo transitivo (despejar: vías, trayectos)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
¿A qué hora van a abrir la calle? Tengo que pasar por ahí para llegar al trabajo.
What time is the road going to be opened? I have to drive that way to get to work.

open

verbo transitivo (permitir la entrada)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
El sector privado pide al gobierno abrir la frontera a las importaciones de productos básicos.
The private sector is asking the government to open the border to imports of commodities.

drill, sink

verbo transitivo (perforar, horadar, agujerar) (well)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Esta semana abrirán otro pozo petrolero en aguas profundas del Golfo de México.
This week another oil well is to be drilled (or: sunk) in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

open

verbo transitivo (iniciar, encabezar)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Su iniciativa ha abierto las puertas a otras mujeres que quieran trabajar en ese campo.
Their initiative has opened the door to other women who might want to work in the field.

whet

verbo transitivo (producir apetito)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Estos canapés me han abierto el apetito.
These canapés have whetted my appetite.

begin, launch

verbo transitivo (iniciar una investigación)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
La policía abrió el caso después de la denuncia de la familia.
ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. An investigation has begun into the cause of the disaster.

head, lead

verbo transitivo (encabezar un desfile)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
La banda de la ciudad abrirá este año la cabalgata de los Reyes Magos.
This year the city band will be leading the Epiphany parade.

open up

verbo pronominal (sincerarse, explayarse)

(phrasal verb, intransitive: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning and not taking direct object--for example, "make up" [=reconcile]: "After they fought, they made up.")
Es muy reservado, no acostumbra abrirse a desconocidos.
He's very reserved and doesn't usually open up to strangers.

be open

verbo pronominal (ser receptivo) (willing to try)

Olvida tus viejas estrategias comerciales, tienes que abrirte a nuevas ideas.
Forget about your old business strategies: you have to be open to new ideas.

take a curve wide

verbo pronominal (curva: alejarse del lado interno) (driver of vehicle)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
El camión chocó de frente contra un coche que se abrió demasiado en la curva.
A truck crashed head on with a car that took the curve too wide.

crack

verbo pronominal (agrietarse, romperse)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
La circulación de transporte pesado por esta calle provocó que se abriera el pavimento.
The road surface cracked through all the heavy traffic going over it.

begin taking testimony, begin hearing testimony

locución verbal (formal (proceso judicial) (legal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Estamos a la espera de que el juez abra a pruebas el proceso.
We are waiting for the judge to begin taking testimony.

open a gap

locución verbal (militar: abrir un paso)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Las tropas abrieron brecha en el frente para disponer el ataque de todo el ejército.

make a breakthrough, make inroads

locución verbal (figurado (dar los primeros pasos)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Esta técnica está abriendo brecha en la difícil clonación humana.

hit home

locución verbal (figurado (persuadir, sensibilizar)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Las palabras de mi padre abrieron brecha y dejé el alcohol para siempre.

pave the way

locución verbal (figurado (dar los primeros pasos) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Todas esas manifestaciones abrieron camino hacia una sociedad más equitativa.
All those protests paved the way for a more equitable society.

open wide enough

locución verbal (abrir por completo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Abrieron las puertas de par en par para que cupiera el carruaje.

open wide

locución verbal (abrirse por completo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Las ventanas se abrieron de par en par.

open your heart

locución verbal (figurado (amor romántico)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Luisa le abrió su corazón a Osvaldo.
Louise opened her heart to Oswald.

open your heart

locución verbal (figurado (sincerarse, hablar abiertamente)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
El cantante le abrió su corazón al público en una conmovedora entrevista.

open the mail

locución verbal (correo electrónico)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Lo primero que hago al llegar a la oficina es abrir mi correo.
The first thing I do when I arrive at the office is open my mail.

open the mail, open the post

locución verbal (poco usual (correo tradicional)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Abrió el correo con un abrecartas.

snitch

locución verbal (coloquial (revelar información) (colloquial)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
El reo abrió el pico y lo encontraron muerto en su celda.

open your mouth

locución verbal (coloquial (hablar) (speak)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
No ha abierto el pico en toda la tarde; está muy callado.

slit open

locución verbal (un animal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Mi abuelo mataba a los conejos colgándolos boca abajo y abriéndolos en canal.

open Pandora's box

locución verbal (causar grandes desgracias)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

open the door

locución verbal (literal (dejar entrar)

Nos abrió la puerta y nos mostró la biblioteca.
They opened the door for us and showed us the library.

open the door

locución verbal (figurado (permitir, facilitar) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Si no se castiga este crimen, automáticamente le abrimos la puerta a la impunidad.
If this crime goes unpunished, we will be opening the door to impunity.

open your doors

locución verbal (figurado (admitir, recibir) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Cuando les presentamos nuestro proyecto, nos abrieron las puertas y colaboraron en el proceso.
When we presented our project to them, they opened their doors and collaborated with us.

open the meeting, open the session

locución verbal (reunión, asamblea)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
El presidente de la cámara abrió la sesión de hoy a las 8h.

spread your legs, open your legs

locución verbal (separar piernas)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Abran las piernas e inclinen el tronco hacia el frente, manteniendo las piernas firmes.
Spread your legs and lean your torso forward, keeping your legs still.

listen carefully

locución verbal (figurado (prestar atención)

¡Juan! Despierta y abre los oídos que esto es importante.

pay close attention

locución verbal (figurado (prestar atención)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Abre bien los ojos y no cometas errores.
Pay close attention and don't make mistakes

open 's eyes

(figurado (hacer que se entere de algo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Mi prima me abrió los ojos y evitó que cometiera un error.
My cousin opened my eyes and avoided my making any mistakes.

open new doors

expresión (ampliar posibilidades) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
La obtención del título universitario le abrió nuevos horizontes en su vida profesional.
Graduating from university opened up new doors for her professionally.

open up doors

locución verbal (figurado (dar acceso) (figuratively)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
La investigación de la profesora Gómez abre puertas a muchas posibilidades en su área de conocimiento.
ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. A college degree provides opportunities for better jobs in the future.

open for business

locución verbal (inaugurar negocio)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Cuando la empresa abrió puertas hace 50 años, era tan solo una pequeña tienda.
When the company opened for business 50 years ago, it was still just a small store.

log in

locución verbal (informática: autenticarse)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Abre sesión con mi cuenta de correo y mi contraseña.

open your heart

locución verbal (figurado (sincerarse) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Arnaldo le abrió su pecho a María y le confesó su secreta pasión.

open up a bank account

locución verbal (ser cuentacorrentista)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

in the blink of an eye

locución adverbial (informal (en un instante)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
En un abrir y cerrar de ojos, el gato saltó por la ventana.
In the blink of an eye, the cat jumped through the window.

Let's learn Spanish

So now that you know more about the meaning of abrir in Spanish, you can learn how to use them through selected examples and how to read them. And remember to learn the related words that we suggest. Our website is constantly updating with new words and new examples so you can look up the meanings of other words you don't know in Spanish.

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Spanish (español), also known as Castilla, is a language of the Iberian-Romance group of the Romance languages, and the 4th most common language in the world according to Some sources, while others list it as a 2nd or 3rd most common language. It is the mother tongue of about 352 million people, and is spoken by 417 million people when adding its speakers as a language. sub (estimated in 1999). Spanish and Portuguese have very similar grammar and vocabulary; The number of similar vocabulary of these two languages is up to 89%. Spanish is the primary language of 20 countries around the world. It is estimated that the total number of speakers of Spanish is between 470 and 500 million, making it the second most widely spoken language in the world by number of native speakers.