frontera
/frohn-TEH-rah/
border
The image illustrates a physical border (frontera), the line separating two countries or regions.
frontera(noun)
border
?The line separating two countries
,frontier
?A region near a border
boundary line
?A marked physical division
📝 In Action
Tuvimos que mostrar nuestros pasaportes al cruzar la frontera.
A2We had to show our passports when crossing the border.
La frontera entre Estados Unidos y Canadá es la más larga del mundo.
B1The border between the United States and Canada is the longest in the world.
La pequeña ciudad fronteriza dependía del comercio internacional.
B2The small border town depended on international trade.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Alert
Remember that 'frontera' is always a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' or 'una' with it: 'la frontera'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'Entre'
When specifying the countries, use the preposition 'entre' (between): 'la frontera entre España y Portugal'.
A conceptual limit (frontera) is visualized here as a barrier that defines the maximum extent or boundary.
frontera(noun)
limit
?Conceptual boundary
,cutting edge
?The furthest point of development (often plural)
threshold
?The beginning point of something new
📝 In Action
Los científicos están empujando las fronteras del conocimiento humano.
C1The scientists are pushing the limits of human knowledge.
Su arte se encuentra en la frontera entre la pintura y la escultura.
C2His art is found on the boundary between painting and sculpture.
💡 Grammar Points
Figurative Use
In this abstract sense, 'frontera' often appears in the plural ('las fronteras') when talking about the limits of an entire field, like science or art.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: frontera
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'frontera' in its figurative (conceptual) sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'frontera' masculine or feminine?
'Frontera' is always feminine. You must use the feminine article 'la' or 'una' with it (e.g., 'la frontera').
Is there a difference between 'límite' and 'frontera'?
Yes, but they are related. 'Frontera' almost always refers to the boundary between countries or large territories. 'Límite' is a more general word that can refer to any kind of boundary, restriction, or maximum point (e.g., 'el límite de velocidad'—the speed limit).