borde
/ˈboɾde/masculine
In Spanish, 'rim' is translated as borde. Wiktionary also lists canto.
Meaning: edge around something (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| borde | /ˈboɾde/ | masculine |
| canto | /ˈkanto/ | masculine |
The word borde is a general term used for an edge or a rim. If you are describing something being positioned exactly at the rim or edge of an object, you can use the phrase al borde de. In a culinary context, if you want to say you are rimming a glass with sugar or salt, the specific verb to use is escarchar.
Which one should you use?
While borde is a general term for an edge or rim, canto is specifically used for the edge of a flat object, such as a table, a stone or a coin.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈboɾde/
Did you know?
- The word borde may have roots in the Catalan bord, which comes from the Late Latin burdus, meaning 'bastard'.
- Because canto is also the word for 'I sing' in Spanish, using the wrong context when talking about the 'rim' of an object can lead to humorous linguistic confusion.
- When describing someone who is 'on the edge' of a nervous breakdown, Spanish speakers use the phrase al borde de.
Examples in context
- Tom llenó la copa de vino de María hasta el borde.Tom filled Mary's wine glass to the rim.This sentence shows how to describe filling a glass to the rim using borde.Tatoeba #3016057 by marcelostockle, translation #2956722 by CK
- Me gusta tomar a sorbos un margarita con sal al borde del vaso.I enjoy sipping on a margarita with salt around the rim.This sentence uses borde to describe salt around the rim of a glass.Tatoeba #1659060 by marcelostockle, translation #62920 by CK
- El borde del vaso está decoradoThe rim of the glass is decorated
- El borde de mi plato estaba sucioThe rim of my plate was dirty
- Esta taza está bordeada de oroThis cup is rimmed with gold
- El aro de mi bicicleta está abolladoThe rim of my bicycle is dented
Example conversation
Daniel and María are cleaning a ceramic bowl.
- DanielTen cuidado con el borde del tazón.Be careful with the rim of the bowl.
- MaríaEstá un poco roto, ¿verdad?It is a little broken, right?
- DanielSí, el borde está astillado.Yes, the rim is chipped.
- MaríaEntonces no lo uses, Daniel.Then don't use it, Daniel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “rim” translations and entries borde, canto, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries borde, canto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
