barrera
/bah-RREH-rah/
barrier
A physical fence acts as a barrera (barrier), preventing passage along the path.
barrera(noun)
barrier
?physical obstruction
,fence
?dividing structure
railing
?low protective structure
,turnstile
?gate/toll booth
📝 In Action
Tuvimos que esperar porque la barrera del tren estaba bajada.
A1We had to wait because the train barrier was down.
La policía levantó una barrera de seguridad para controlar la multitud.
A2The police put up a safety barrier to control the crowd.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Reminder
Remember that 'barrera' is always feminine, so you must use 'la barrera' or 'una barrera'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Barrera' and 'Barra'
Mistake: "Using 'barra' when referring to a large obstacle."
Correction: 'Barra' usually means a small bar or rod (like a pull-up bar). 'Barrera' is the large, blocking structure or fence.
⭐ Usage Tips
Physical Structures
Use this meaning when talking about anything that physically blocks movement, whether temporary (like a road block) or permanent (like a fence).
A huge, smooth wall can represent a figurative barrera (obstacle) that must be overcome.
barrera(noun)
barrier
?figurative obstacle or hurdle
,obstacle
?challenge or difficulty
hindrance
?something that stops progress
📝 In Action
La barrera del idioma puede ser frustrante al viajar.
A2The language barrier can be frustrating when traveling.
La principal barrera para conseguir el ascenso fue la falta de experiencia.
B1The main obstacle to getting the promotion was the lack of experience.
Debemos romper las barreras culturales que nos separan.
B2We must break down the cultural barriers that separate us.
💡 Grammar Points
Verbs for Action
When talking about removing an obstacle, Spanish often uses 'superar' (to overcome) or 'romper' (to break/break down).
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Communication
This meaning is most commonly used when discussing problems in understanding or connecting with others (e.g., language, trust, culture).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: barrera
Question 1 of 1
If you are trying to describe a physical fence dividing two properties, which word best describes 'barrera'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Es 'barrera' siempre un objeto físico?
No. While it often refers to a physical fence or rail (like a toll barrier), it is very frequently used to describe non-physical problems, like 'la barrera del idioma' (the language barrier) or 'una barrera emocional'.
¿Cómo se dice 'barrier reef' (arrecife de coral) en español?
The specific term is usually 'arrecife de barrera'. If you are referring to the Great Barrier Reef, it is 'La Gran Barrera de Coral'.