borde
/BOAR-deh/
edge
The physical limit of something, like the boundary between the field and the beach, is called the borde (edge).
borde(noun)
edge
?physical limit of something
,border
?boundary
rim
?of a glass or plate
,verge
?of a cliff or road
📝 In Action
Ten cuidado de no caerte del borde de la piscina.
A2Be careful not to fall off the edge of the pool.
El borde del plato estaba decorado con oro.
B1The rim of the plate was decorated with gold.
Estábamos al borde de la desesperación.
B2We were on the verge of desperation.
💡 Grammar Points
Masculine Noun Rule
'Borde' is always a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Borde' and 'Esquina'
Mistake: "Using 'borde' when you mean 'corner' (esquina)."
Correction: Use 'borde' for the length of an edge, and 'esquina' for where two edges meet.
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Nearness
The phrase 'al borde de' (on the verge of) is very common when talking about being very close to an emotional state or event.
In Spain, calling someone borde means they are a rude or unpleasant person (a jerk).
borde(noun)
jerk
?rude, unpleasant person (Spain)
,obnoxious person
?someone who is socially unpleasant
rude person
?impolite individual
📝 In Action
El camarero fue un borde, ni siquiera nos miró al servir.
B2The waiter was a jerk; he didn't even look at us while serving.
No seas borde y pide disculpas.
B2Don't be rude and apologize.
💡 Grammar Points
Used as Adjective and Noun
In this context, 'borde' can be used as a noun ('es un borde') or as an adjective ('es muy borde'). It usually doesn't change form based on gender, even when referring to a woman.
⭐ Usage Tips
Regional Slang Alert
This meaning is typical of Spain. If you use it in most parts of Latin America, people will only understand the physical meaning ('edge').
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: borde
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'borde' to mean 'a physical limit'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I say 'on the edge' in Spanish?
You usually use the phrase 'al borde de.' For example, 'Estoy al borde de llorar' (I am on the verge of crying).
Does 'borde' change its gender when referring to a woman?
When referring to a person (meaning 'rude/jerk'), 'borde' is usually used the same way for both men and women, like 'Ella es muy borde' (She is very rude).