bordo
/ˈbor.do/masculine
The English word edge can be translated into Italian as bordo. Wiktionary also lists filo.
Meaning: any sharp terminating border, a margin, a brink, extreme verge (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| bordo | /ˈbor.do/ | masculine |
| filo | /ˈfi.lo/ | masculine |
bordo refers to a general border, margin or brink.
Which one should you use?
While bordo refers to a general border or margin, filo is used for a very thin, fine or sharp edge, such as the edge of a blade or a thread. Additionally, margine is often used in more technical or abstract contexts, such as the margin of a page or a margin of error, whereas bordo is more physical.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /ˈbor.do/. It has two syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian, the expression filo del rasoio is used to describe the 'edge' of a razor, but it also metaphorically describes a 'precarious' or 'thin' situation.
- The Italian word bordo shares a common ancestor with the English word 'board', as both come from a Germanic term for a wooden plank.
- When talking about the 'edge' of a cliff, bordo is common, but orlo is often used for the edge of a crater or a garment.
Examples in context
- Era seduto sul bordo del letto.He was sitting on the edge of the bed.This sentence is useful for describing someone sitting on the bordo of a bed.Tatoeba #11676867 by Nuel, translation #11676865 by Nuel
- Erano tutti sul bordo del loro sedile.Everybody was on the edge of their seat.This sentence is useful for describing people being on the bordo of a seat.Tatoeba #5012595 by Xanatos, translation #5012350 by Hybrid
- Lorenzo si avvicinò al bordo dell'acqua.Lorenzo approached the edge of the water.This sentence is useful for describing someone approaching the bordo of the water.Tatoeba #13393178 by Guybrush88, translation #11709628 by Amastan
- Il libro è caduto dal bordo del tavolo.The book fell off the edge of the table
- Lei ha dipinto con attenzione il bordo sottile del piatto in ceramica con disegni intricati.She carefully painted the fine edge of the ceramic plate with intricate designs.
- Mi sono seduto/a sul bordo del letto.I sat on the edge of the bed
- La casa si trova ai margini della città.The house is located on the edge of the city
- Siediti sulla sponda del fiume.Sit on the edge of the river
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Matteo are setting the table for dinner.
- ChiaraMatteo, fai attenzione al bordo del piatto.Matteo, be careful with the edge of the plate.
- MatteoNon preoccuparti, Chiara, lo tengo con cura.Don't worry, Chiara, I am holding it carefully.
- ChiaraÈ molto fragile, non rovinarlo.It is very fragile, don't ruin it.
- MatteoTranquilla, lo appoggio sul tavolo con calma.Don't worry, I'm putting it on the table calmly.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “edge” translations and entries bordo, filo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bordo, filo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
