límite
/ˈlimite/masculine
The English word 'limit' is translated into Spanish as límite.
límite refers to a restriction or a bound beyond which one may not go. You can use the phrase tener un límite to say 'to have a limit', or poner límites to mean 'to set limits'. Other synonyms include máximo for 'maximum' and frontera when referring to a 'border'.
Meaning: restriction, bound beyond which one may not go (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun límite is masculine and is used with masculine articles like el. The plural form is límites.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈlimite/
Did you know?
- The phrase poner los puntos sobre las íes is often used when someone needs to 'set limits' or clarify boundaries in a conversation to avoid ambiguity.
- In certain Latin American countries, when talking about a 'limit' of a person's physical strength, you might hear the word techo (ceiling) used instead of límite to describe reaching a plateau.
- In Spanish mathematics, the concept of a 'limit' is referred to as el límite, but the process of reaching it is described using the verb tender, meaning 'to lean towards'.
Examples in context
- No hay un límite de velocidad.There's no speed limit.This sentence is useful for showing how to use límite in the context of a speed limit.Tatoeba #4727325 by marcelostockle, translation #2300595 by Hybrid
- ¡Tom, te lo advierto, mi paciencia tiene un límite!I'm warning you, Tom. My patience has a limit.This sentence shows an example of how to express that someone's patience has a limit using límite.Tatoeba #9939067 by Shishir, translation #9939112 by DJ_Saidez
- Siempre conduzco por debajo del límite de velocidad.I always drive below the speed limit.This sentence demonstrates using límite when talking about driving below a speed limit.Tatoeba #6848163 by arh, translation #6846970 by CK
- El límite de velocidad en esta autopista es de 120 kilómetros por hora.The speed limit on this highway is 120 kilometers per hour.
- El tope salarial es de $100,000 al año.The salary cap is $100,000 per year.
- Existen restricciones de peso en el equipaje de mano.There are weight restrictions on carry-on luggage.
- No puedo gastar más dinero hoy, ya llegué a mi tope.I can't spend any more money today, I've reached my limit.
- No puedo seguir bebiendo, he alcanzado mi límite.I can't continue drinking, I've reached my limit.
- Cruzó la raya cuando comenzó a insultarme.He crossed the line when he started insulting me.
- El tope máximo de velocidad en esta zona es de 90 kilómetros por hora.The maximum speed limit in this area is 90 kilometers per hour.
- Es importante poner límites a los niños para fomentar su disciplina.It's important to set limits for children to encourage their discipline.
- Todos tenemos un límite para tolerar el estrés.We all have a limit when it comes to tolerating stress.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are discussing a budget for a trip.
- ElenaTenemos que poner un límite al presupuesto.We have to set a limit on the budget.
- AlejandroTienes razón, Alejandro no quiere gastar mucho.You are right, Alejandro doesn't want to spend much.
- Elena¿Cuál es el límite máximo por persona?What is the maximum limit per person?
- AlejandroCreo que cien euros es un límite justo.I think one hundred euros is a fair limit.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “limit” translations and entries límite, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
