Inklingo

How to Say "brink" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “brink” is “umbral” — use 'umbral' when referring to a metaphorical threshold, limit, or point beyond which something new or different begins, often related to a state or condition..

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umbral

/oom-BRAHL//umˈbɾal/

nounB2general
Use 'umbral' when referring to a metaphorical threshold, limit, or point beyond which something new or different begins, often related to a state or condition.
A small child standing at the edge of a lush green forest, looking towards a bright horizon.

Examples

La economía está al umbral de una recesión.

The economy is on the brink of a recession.

Tiene un umbral del dolor muy alto.

He has a very high pain threshold.

Estamos en el umbral de una nueva era tecnológica.

We are on the threshold of a new technological era.

Ese sonido está por debajo del umbral del oído humano.

That sound is below the threshold of human hearing.

Abstract Use

When used for abstract ideas, it almost always follows the pattern 'el umbral de [something]'.

Confusing with 'Límite'

Mistake: “Mi límite del dolor es alto.”

Correction: Mi umbral del dolor es alto. (Use 'umbral' specifically for the point where a sensation begins).

víspera

nounB1general
Use 'víspera' to describe the time or period immediately preceding a significant event, holiday, or change.

Examples

Estaban en la víspera de un gran descubrimiento.

They were on the brink of a great discovery.

Threshold vs. Preceding Event

Learners often confuse 'umbral' and 'víspera' by using 'víspera' for any situation of being close to something. Remember that 'umbral' refers to a limit or threshold, while 'víspera' specifically denotes the time right before an event.

Related Translations

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