Inklingo

afueras

a-FWEH-rahs/aˈfweɾas/

afueras means outskirts in Spanish (The border area of a city).

outskirts, suburbs

Also: periphery
NounfB1
Mexico
A simple colorful storybook illustration showing the transition zone between a dense city and open countryside. On one side are tall, colorful buildings, and on the other are rolling green hills and a few isolated small houses.

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Mi casa está en las afueras, lejos del ruido del centro.

A2

My house is on the outskirts, far from the city center noise.

Tuvimos que manejar a las afueras para encontrar un estacionamiento gratuito.

B1

We had to drive to the suburbs to find free parking.

Las afueras de Madrid son muy verdes y tranquilas.

B2

The outskirts of Madrid are very green and quiet.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • periferia (periphery)
  • arrabales (slums/outer neighborhoods (often older usage))

Antonyms

  • centro (center)
  • casco urbano (urban core/downtown)

Common Collocations

  • vivir en las afuerasto live on the outskirts/in the suburbs
  • las afueras de la ciudadthe city's outskirts

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "afueras" in Spanish:

outskirtsperipherysuburbs

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: afueras

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'afueras'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

This word comes from the combination of the preposition 'a' (to/at) and the plural form of the adverb 'fuera' (outside). It literally means 'to the outside areas,' reflecting its function as a location on the edge of something.

First recorded: Medieval Spanish

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: afora

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'afuera' (singular) and 'afueras' (plural)?

'Afuera' (singular) is an adverb that means 'outside' or 'outdoors' in a general sense (e.g., 'Vamos afuera' - Let's go outside). 'Afueras' (plural) is a noun that specifically refers to the suburbs or outskirts of a city.

Can I use 'afueras' to mean 'the outside of a box'?

No. 'Afueras' is used for the area surrounding a large place like a town or city. To talk about the outside surface of an object, you would use words like 'el exterior' or 'la parte de fuera.'