Inklingo

How to Say "edge" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “edge” is “borde” — use this for the physical limit or boundary of a larger object or area, like a pool, a cliff, or a table's perimeter..

borde🔊A2

Use this for the physical limit or boundary of a larger object or area, like a pool, a cliff, or a table's perimeter.

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orilla🔊B1

This refers to the edge of a surface like a table or road, often implying the very brink where something could fall off.

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canto🔊B1

Use this to describe the sharp side or edge of a solid object, like a book or a table.

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extremo🔊B1

This refers to the furthest point or end of something, like the end of a beach or a road.

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límiteA2

This signifies the outer boundary or dividing line of an area or property.

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punta🔊B1

This word can refer to the tip or extreme end of a landmass, like a cape or headland.

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vera🔊B1

Use this for the side or boundary of a path, road, or river, often implying walking alongside it.

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bordo🔊B2

This refers to the side or boundary of a constructed object, often implying a finished edge.

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esquina🔊A1

This specifically means a corner where two sides or streets meet, not just any edge.

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English → Spanish

borde

BOAR-deh/ˈboɾ.ðe/

nounA2general
Use this for the physical limit or boundary of a larger object or area, like a pool, a cliff, or a table's perimeter.
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
This refers to the edge of a surface like a table or road, often implying the very brink where something could fall off.
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').

canto

/KAN-toh//ˈkanto/

nounB1general
Use this to describe the sharp side or edge of a solid object, like a book or a table.
A solid, simple, purple geometric block resting on a flat surface, with one sharp vertical edge clearly emphasized.

Examples

El libro cayó y golpeó el canto de la mesa.

The book fell and hit the edge of the table.

Puso la moneda de canto para hacerla girar.

He put the coin on its edge to spin it.

Edge vs. Corner

Mistake: “Using 'esquina' for the edge of a flat object.”

Correction: 'Esquina' usually means a street corner or the corner where two walls meet. Use 'canto' or 'borde' for the thin side of a book, table, or coin.

extremo

/eks-TREH-moh//eksˈtɾemo/

nounB1general
This refers to the furthest point or end of something, like the end of a beach or a road.
A winding dirt road that terminates abruptly at a tall wooden fence in the middle of a field, marking the physical end of the path.

Examples

Llegamos al extremo de la playa.

We arrived at the end of the beach.

Él siempre lleva las cosas al extremo.

He always takes things to the extreme (or limits).

Asegura el extremo libre de la cuerda.

Secure the free end of the rope.

Using 'Extremo' as a Noun

When used as a noun, 'extremo' (masculine) refers to a specific point or boundary, often physical. If referring to a body part, use 'extremidad' (limb/extremity, feminine).

límite

nounA2general
This signifies the outer boundary or dividing line of an area or property.

Examples

Esta valla marca el límite de nuestra propiedad.

This fence marks the boundary of our property.

punta

/POON-tah//ˈpunta/

nounB1geographical
This word can refer to the tip or extreme end of a landmass, like a cape or headland.
A simple illustration showing a straight row of five identical red blocks, highlighting the last block at the end of the row.

Examples

La Punta Cana es un destino turístico muy famoso.

Punta Cana is a very famous tourist destination.

Nos encontramos en la punta de la calle.

We met at the end of the street.

Geographical Use

When referring to a geographical feature like a cape, 'punta' is often part of a proper noun (e.g., Punta del Este).

vera

VAY-rahˈbeɾa

nounB1poetic/literary
Use this for the side or boundary of a path, road, or river, often implying walking alongside it.
A close-up view of the distinct boundary between a lush green grassy field and the calm, clear blue water of a pond or river.

Examples

Caminamos por la vera del camino hasta encontrar el pueblo.

We walked along the edge of the road until we found the town.

El picnic fue a la vera del río, bajo un gran árbol.

The picnic was on the bank of the river, under a large tree.

Always Feminine

Remember to always use the feminine article 'la' with 'vera': 'la vera'.

Confusing with 'Verdad'

Mistake: “Using 'vera' when you mean 'truth' (verdad).”

Correction: 'Vera' refers to a physical edge; use 'verdad' for truth.

bordo

/BOR-doh//ˈboɾ.ðo/

nounB2general
This refers to the side or boundary of a constructed object, often implying a finished edge.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration focusing on the sharp, straight boundary edge of a rectangular wooden table.

Examples

El carpintero lijó el bordo de la mesa para suavizarlo.

The carpenter sanded the edge of the table to smooth it.

Tuvimos que reforzar el bordo del pozo.

We had to reinforce the rim of the well.

esquina

ess-KEE-nah/esˈkina/

nounA1general
This specifically means a corner where two sides or streets meet, not just any edge.
A colorful storybook illustration of a clear, sharp street corner where two paved roads meet, forming a right angle.

Examples

La farmacia está en la esquina de la calle principal.

The pharmacy is on the corner of the main street.

Tuvimos que doblar la esquina para ver el mural.

We had to turn the corner to see the mural.

Se me dobló la esquina de la página del libro.

The corner of the book page got folded.

Feminine Noun

Esquina is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'la esquina'.

Esquina vs. Rincón

Mistake: “Using 'rincón' when talking about a street corner.”

Correction: Use 'esquina' for outside corners (streets) and 'rincón' for inside corners or cozy, hidden corners (of a room).

Borde vs. Orilla vs. Canto

Learners often confuse 'borde', 'orilla', and 'canto'. Use 'borde' for the general perimeter of something, 'orilla' for the brink of a surface (like a table), and 'canto' for the sharp side of an object.

Related Translations

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