Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| trastorno límite de la personalidad | /tɾasˌtoɾno ˌlimite de la peɾsonaliˈdad/ | masculine |
| trastorno de personalidad limítrofe | /tɾastoɾno de peɾsonalidad limitɾofe/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
| trastorno de personalidad fronteriza | /tɾastoɾno de peɾsonalidad fɾonteɾiθa/ (Spain, from spelling rules) /tɾastoɾno de peɾsonalidad fɾonteɾisa/ (Latin America, from spelling rules) |
masculine |
In clinical and medical contexts, it is the most common way to refer to the disorder in Spanish-speaking countries.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase trastorno límite de la personalidad literally translates to "borderline disorder of the personality".
Which one should you use?
While trastorno límite de la personalidad is the standard medical term, trastorno de personalidad limítrofe is a synonymous clinical term that can be used interchangeably. Other variations include trastorno de personalidad fronteriza or trastorno de personalidad limítrofe.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the standard formal term is trastorno límite de la personalidad. In Argentina, the formal term trastorno de personalidad limítrofe is used. In Mexico, the formal version is Trastorno de Personalidad Límite, while Trastorno Borderline is used informally.
How do you pronounce it?
/tɾasˌtoɾno ˌlimite de la peɾsonaliˈdad/
Did you know?
- The term personalidad can be traced back to the Etruscan word 𐌘𐌄𐌓𐌔𐌖, which referred to a mask.
Examples in context
- Ella fue diagnosticada con trastorno límite de la personalidad.She was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.
- El trastorno límite de la personalidad requiere terapia especializada.Borderline personality disorder requires specialized therapy.
- Muchos síntomas son comunes en el trastorno límite de la personalidad.Many symptoms are common in borderline personality disorder.
Example conversation
A doctor and a patient are discussing a diagnosis in a clinic.
- Javier¿Puede explicarme qué es el trastorno límite de la personalidad?Can you explain to me what borderline personality disorder is?
- LucíaEs una condición que afecta la regulación de las emociones.It is a condition that affects emotional regulation.
- JavierEntiendo, ¿es algo que se puede tratar?I see, is it something that can be treated?
- LucíaSí, Javier, la terapia es muy efectiva para este trastorno.Yes, Javier, therapy is very effective for this disorder.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “borderline personality disorder” translations and entries trastorno límite de la personalidad, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, la, limítrofe, límite, personalidad, trastorno, CC BY-SA 4.0.
