delimitar
“delimitar” means “to mark off” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to mark off, to boundary
Also: to fence off
📝 In Action
Usaron cuerdas para delimitar la zona de la excavación.
B1They used ropes to mark off the excavation zone.
El jardinero quiere delimitar el huerto con piedras pequeñas.
A2The gardener wants to boundary the vegetable patch with small stones.
Es difícil delimitar la frontera exacta en esta región boscosa.
B2It is difficult to mark the exact border in this forested region.
to define, to specify
Also: to narrow down
📝 In Action
Debemos delimitar claramente nuestras responsabilidades.
B2We must clearly define our responsibilities.
El investigador necesita delimitar el tema de su tesis.
C1The researcher needs to narrow down the topic of his thesis.
Este documento ayuda a delimitar el alcance del contrato.
B2This document helps specify the scope of the contract.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: delimitar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence refers to a physical boundary?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'delimitare', which combines 'de-' (completely) and 'limitare' (to bound or limit). It shares a root with the English word 'limit'.
First recorded: 17th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'limitar' and 'delimitar'?
'Limitar' usually means to put a cap on something (like limiting speed or time), while 'delimitar' means to define or mark where the borders are.
Is 'delimitar' a formal word?
It is slightly more formal than 'marcar' (to mark), but it is very common in office environments and when describing property.
Is the 'g' in 'delimitando' pronounced like 'j'?
No, 'delimitar' does not have a 'g'. It is pronounced with a hard 'd' and 't' sound: /de-lee-mee-TAR/.

