The phrase "de cerca" functions as an adverbial phrase in Spanish.
/de ˈθeɾ.ka/ (in Spain)
/de ˈseɾ.ka/ (in Latin America)
The phrase "de cerca" is used in Spanish to indicate proximity in both physical and metaphorical senses. It can refer to observing something closely or physically being near something. The phrase is commonly used in various settings, including conversations about personal experiences, events, or observations. It is frequently heard in oral speech, though it is also used in written contexts.
"Quiero ver la obra de arte de cerca."
"I want to see the artwork up close."
"Estudiamos la situación de cerca antes de tomar una decisión."
"We studied the situation closely before making a decision."
"El fotógrafo se acercó de cerca para capturar los detalles."
"The photographer went up close to capture the details."
The phrase "de cerca" is commonly used in several idiomatic expressions in Spanish. Here are a few examples:
"Conocer a alguien de cerca":
To know someone well
Example: "He querido conocer a mi nuevo compañero de trabajo de cerca."
"I wanted to get to know my new coworker well."
"Ver las cosas de cerca":
To see things with clarity or firsthand
Example: "Al ir a la conferencia, pude ver las cosas de cerca."
"By attending the conference, I was able to see things firsthand."
"Trabajar de cerca":
To work closely together
Example: "Estamos trabajando de cerca con el equipo de diseño."
"We are working closely with the design team."
"Seguir de cerca":
To monitor closely
Example: "El doctor seguirá de cerca la evolución de su salud."
"The doctor will closely monitor the evolution of your health."
"Mirar de cerca":
To take a close look at something
Example: "Es importante mirar de cerca los detalles del proyecto."
"It is important to take a close look at the project details."
The phrase "de cerca" combines the preposition "de," which means "of" or "from," and the adjective "cerca," meaning "near" or "close."
The phrase "de cerca" adds nuance to the notion of proximity, indicating not just physical closeness but also an intimate or detailed observation in various contexts.