perímetro
/peh-REE-meh-troh/
perimeter
The perimeter is the total length of the boundary surrounding a shape.
perímetro(noun)
perimeter
?mathematical measurement
circumference
?when referring specifically to a circle
📝 In Action
Necesitas calcular el perímetro del jardín antes de comprar la cerca.
B1You need to calculate the perimeter of the garden before buying the fence.
El perímetro de un cuadrado se obtiene sumando la longitud de sus cuatro lados.
B2The perimeter of a square is obtained by adding the length of its four sides.
💡 Grammar Points
Gender Check
Even though this word ends in '-o', remember that many words ending in '-ma' (like 'problema' or 'clima') are masculine. 'Perímetro' follows the standard rule and is always masculine (el perímetro).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Area and Perimeter
Mistake: "Usar 'perímetro' cuando se refiere a la superficie interior (area)."
Correction: 'Perímetro' is the distance around the outside. The space inside is 'el área' (the area).
⭐ Usage Tips
Math Context
When discussing geometric shapes, 'perímetro' is the standard term. Use 'circunferencia' only when talking specifically about circles.
We often use the word perímetro to describe the boundary or outer edge of a specific area.
perímetro(noun)
boundary
?security line or edge of an area
cordon
?police/military line
,limit
?figurative boundary
📝 In Action
La policía estableció un perímetro de seguridad alrededor del edificio.
B2The police established a security perimeter around the building.
Los soldados patrullaron el perímetro de la base militar.
C1The soldiers patrolled the perimeter of the military base.
💡 Grammar Points
Using Prepositions
When talking about movement along the boundary, you often use 'patrullar el perímetro' (to patrol the perimeter) or 'dentro del perímetro' (inside the perimeter).
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Context
This meaning is typically used in serious or official reports, news, or technical descriptions, not in casual conversation.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: perímetro
Question 1 of 2
¿Cuál es la mejor traducción para 'el perímetro de seguridad'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿'Perímetro' es una palabra femenina o masculina?
Es siempre masculina: 'el perímetro'. Even though it ends in '-a' in the middle (perímetr**a**), the final '-o' confirms its masculine gender.
¿Se usa 'perímetro' fuera de las clases de matemáticas?
Sí, absolutamente. It is very common in news reports and military/police contexts to describe the physical boundary or limit of a controlled zone, like 'un perímetro de evacuación'.