límite alto
/limite alto/from spelling rules
The English phrase "borderline high" is translated into Spanish as límite alto.
This phrase is used to describe a value that is just at the upper limit of a normal or acceptable range.
Did you know?
- When referring to high values in blood pressure or cholesterol, Spanish speakers often use the term está rozando meaning 'it is brushing against' the limit. This colorful phrasing suggests the value is nearly touching the danger zone.
- While alto usually means 'high' in this phrase, the same word is used as a command to 'stop'. This comes from a separate borrowing of the German word 'halt'.
- In medical or technical contexts, Spanish speakers might use en el límite to describe a borderline value. This implies the value is 'on the edge' rather than simply being a 'high limit'.
Examples in context
- De acuerdo a los últimos análisis, los resultados se encuentran en el límite alto.According to the latest analyses, the results are at the high limit.
- El colesterol está en el límite alto para su edad.The cholesterol is borderline high for your age.
- Esa presión arterial está en el límite alto.That blood pressure is borderline high.
Example conversation
A doctor is explaining blood test results to a patient.
- DanielSus resultados de glucosa están en el límite alto, Lucía.Your glucose results are borderline high, Lucía.
- Lucía¿Debería preocuparme por ese límite alto?Should I worry about that borderline high value?
- DanielNo es grave, pero hay que vigilarlo.It is not serious, but it must be monitored.
- LucíaEntiendo, gracias por la explicación, doctor.I understand, thank you for the explanation, doctor.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alto, límite, CC BY-SA 4.0.
