borde
“borde” means “edge” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
edge, border
Also: rim, verge
📝 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.
jerk, obnoxious person
Also: rude person
📝 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.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: borde
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'borde' to mean 'a physical limit'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Germanic root *bord*, which originally meant 'plank' or 'side of a ship.' This idea of a structural limit evolved into the modern Spanish meaning of 'edge' or 'rim.'
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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).