limites
/li.mit/
The English phrase "boundaries" is translated into French as limites.
limites is used to describe both physical and abstract constraints. In psychological or interpersonal contexts, it is the standard term for describing personal boundaries.
Which one should you use?
While limites refers to abstract or physical constraints, the word frontières is specifically used for political or geographical borders between countries.
How does it change in a sentence?
limites is the plural form of the feminine noun limite, which means "the boundary" or "the limit".
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /li.mit/ and has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- In French, the word limite is used in the common idiom à la limite, which functions like the English 'technically' or 'if you really think about it'. It is used to concede a point that is barely true.
- Describing a person as sans limites in a psychological context is usually an insult, suggesting they are reckless or lack a moral compass.
- French maintains a strict divide between limites and frontières, where using the latter for personal boundaries makes the person sound like a sovereign nation with a customs office.
Examples in context
- Établis des limites personnelles.Set boundaries.This sentence shows how to use limites when talking about personal boundaries.Tatoeba #12476770 by always, translation #10808133 by Amastan
- La nature ne connaît pas de limites.Nature knows no boundaries.This sentence uses limites to describe the concept of nature having no constraints.Tatoeba #3647459 by sacredceltic, translation #1621345 by Akradna
- Il est parfaitement admissible d'avoir des limites personnelles.It's perfectly acceptable to have boundaries.This sentence demonstrates the use of limites in the context of personal boundaries being acceptable.Tatoeba #11958290 by Amastan, translation #11543615 by Amastan
- Les frontières entre les pays doivent être respectées.The boundaries between countries must be respected.
- Il est important de définir ses limites dans les relations professionnelles.It is important to define your boundaries in professional relationships.
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Chloé are discussing their professional relationship.
- NathanJe dois fixer des limites dans mon travail.I need to set boundaries in my work.
- ChloéTu as raison, c'est très important.You are right, it is very important.
- NathanEst-ce que tu peux respecter mes limites ?Can you respect my boundaries?
- ChloéBien sûr, je comprends tout à fait.Of course, I understand completely.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry limites, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
