límite
/ˈlimite/
The Spanish word for 'borderline' is límite.
To express the concept of being 'on the borderline' or 'on the edge' of a category, use the phrase en el límite.
Meaning: not clearly on one side or other of a boundary (adj)
Which one should you use?
While límite is a noun meaning 'limit', the adjective limítrofe is used to describe things that are physically bordering or adjacent to one another, such as countries or regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of límite is límites, which translates to 'boundaries' or 'limits'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlimite/
Did you know?
- While English uses 'borderline' to describe a personality disorder, Spanish speakers use the term trastorno límite de la personalidad to describe this psychological condition.
- The Spanish language uses al límite to describe a state of extreme stress or exhaustion, similar to the English expression 'at the breaking point'.
- The word límite and the word linde are doublets, meaning they both evolved from the same Latin root līmitem but took different paths into Spanish.
Examples in context
- Estamos cerca del límite entre los dos paísesWe are near the borderline between the two countries
- Estamos en una situación límiteWe are in a borderline situation
- Está rayando en la locuraHe/she is bordering on madness
- Ella está rayando en la genialidad con sus creaciones artísticas.She is bordering on genius with her artistic creations.
- Estamos en el filo de la navajaWe are on the borderline of danger
- El río marca el límite entre ambos países.The river marks the borderline between both countries.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are discussing a project deadline.
- LucíaLa fecha de entrega es límite.The delivery date is borderline.
- DanielNo creo que lleguemos a tiempo.I don't think we will make it in time.
- LucíaPodemos terminarlo hoy mismo.We can finish it today.
- DanielEso sería lo ideal, Lucía.That would be ideal, Lucía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry límite, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries límite, CC BY-SA 4.0.
