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How to Say "limits" in Spanish

English → Spanish

límites

nounA1general
Use 'límites' for general restrictions, boundaries, or the edge of something physical or abstract, often implying a rule or a point that shouldn't be crossed.

Examples

El conductor respetó los límites de velocidad.

The driver respected the speed limits.

fronteras

/frown-TEH-rahss//fɾonˈteɾas/

nounB2general
Use 'fronteras' specifically for the furthest points of what is possible, often in a more abstract or intellectual sense, like expanding knowledge or exploring new territories.
A small child standing at the edge of a garden looking out towards a vast ocean, representing a boundary.

Examples

La investigación médica empuja las fronteras de la curación.

Medical research pushes the boundaries of healing.

La ciencia busca expandir las fronteras del conocimiento.

Science seeks to expand the boundaries of knowledge.

Su imaginación no tiene fronteras.

His imagination has no boundaries.

Metaphorical use

When used metaphorically, it acts exactly like the physical version but describes abstract things like 'knowledge' or 'dreams'.

Choosing Between 'Límites' and 'Fronteras'

Learners often confuse 'límites' and 'fronteras' by using 'fronteras' for everyday restrictions. Remember that 'fronteras' typically refers to more abstract or aspirational boundaries, like those of knowledge or exploration, while 'límites' is for more concrete or commonly understood restrictions.

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