Inklingo

How to Say "border" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “border” is “frontera” — use 'frontera' specifically when referring to the political boundary line between two countries or nations..

frontera🔊B1

Use 'frontera' specifically when referring to the political boundary line between two countries or nations.

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límiteA2

Use 'límite' to describe the line that marks the end or boundary of a specific area, property, or space.

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borde🔊A2

Use 'borde' for the edge or rim of an object, surface, or place, often implying a point where something might fall off.

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orilla🔊B1

Use 'orilla' for the edge or side of a place, especially natural features like a riverbank or a shore, or the edge of a flat surface.

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margen🔊B1

Use 'margen' to refer to the blank space on the side of a page, or figuratively, a space for something to happen or exist.

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filete🔊B2

Use 'filete' for a thin decorative strip or border, often made of precious material or used for ornamentation.

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English → Spanish

frontera

frohn-TEH-rah/fɾonˈteɾa/

nounB1general
Use 'frontera' specifically when referring to the political boundary line between two countries or nations.
A winding stone fence clearly separating a lush green forest on one side from a vast, dry desert on the other side, symbolizing a national border.

Examples

Tuvimos que mostrar nuestros pasaportes al cruzar la frontera.

We had to show our passports when crossing the border.

La frontera entre Estados Unidos y Canadá es la más larga del mundo.

The border between the United States and Canada is the longest in the world.

La pequeña ciudad fronteriza dependía del comercio internacional.

The small border town depended on international trade.

Gender Alert

Remember that 'frontera' is always a feminine noun, so you must use 'la' or 'una' with it: 'la frontera'.

límite

nounA2general
Use 'límite' to describe the line that marks the end or boundary of a specific area, property, or space.

Examples

Esta valla marca el límite de nuestra propiedad.

This fence marks the boundary of our property.

borde

BOAR-deh/ˈboɾ.ðe/

nounA2general
Use 'borde' for the edge or rim of an object, surface, or place, often implying a point where something might fall off.
A simple colorful illustration showing a clear, distinct boundary where a grassy field meets a sandy beach, emphasizing the line where one surface ends and the other begins.

Examples

Ten cuidado de no caerte del borde de la piscina.

Be careful not to fall off the edge of the pool.

El borde del plato estaba decorado con oro.

The rim of the plate was decorated with gold.

Estábamos al borde de la desesperación.

We were on the verge of desperation.

Masculine Noun Rule

'Borde' is always a masculine noun, so you must use 'el' or 'un' before it.

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.

orilla

oh-REE-yah/oˈɾiʝa/

nounB1general
Use 'orilla' for the edge or side of a place, especially natural features like a riverbank or a shore, or the edge of a flat surface.
A simple illustration focusing on the sharp, straight boundary where the flat wooden surface of a tabletop ends, representing an edge.

Examples

Ten cuidado, el plato está justo en la orilla de la mesa.

Be careful, the plate is right on the edge of the table.

Vivimos en la orilla de la ciudad, cerca del campo.

We live on the border/outskirts of the city, near the countryside.

Figurative Use

Just like in English, 'orilla' can be used figuratively to mean being close to a major change or emotion (e.g., 'on the edge of success').

margen

MAHR-hen/ˈmaɾxen/

nounB1general
Use 'margen' to refer to the blank space on the side of a page, or figuratively, a space for something to happen or exist.
A sheet of white paper with a central block of neat text lines, highlighting the wide, empty space (the margin) surrounding the text block.

Examples

Por favor, no escribas en el margen del examen.

Please, do not write in the margin of the exam.

Caminamos por el margen del río hasta encontrar un puente.

We walked along the bank of the river until we found a bridge.

El coche se detuvo en el margen de la carretera.

The car stopped on the side (verge) of the road.

Gender Note

Even though 'margen' ends in '-en', it is a masculine noun ('el margen'). However, in older usage or specifically referring to a riverbank, you might occasionally hear 'la margen'.

Using the wrong gender

Mistake: “La margen es muy estrecha.”

Correction: El margen es muy estrecho. (Always use the masculine article 'el' for the paper margin or general edge.)

filete

/fee-LEH-teh//fiˈlete/

nounB2general
Use 'filete' for a thin decorative strip or border, often made of precious material or used for ornamentation.
A decorative golden line bordering the edge of a blue rectangular frame.

Examples

La portada del libro tiene un filete de oro.

The book cover has a gold border.

El sofá tiene un filete blanco que resalta el color azul.

The sofa has white piping that highlights the blue color.

Abstract use

Think of this meaning as a 'thin strip' of something, which helps connect it to the food meaning (a thin strip of meat).

Frontera vs. Límite vs. Borde

Learners often confuse 'frontera', 'límite', and 'borde'. Remember that 'frontera' is strictly for national boundaries. 'Límite' is for any defined boundary of an area, while 'borde' refers to the edge of an object or surface, like a table or a pool.

Related Translations

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