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frontera means border — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 20, 2026

📘 Essential Spanish

frontera

noun • /[fron-TE-ra]/

border

Example:

Cruzamos la frontera en autobús.

We crossed the border by bus.

🧠 What does frontera mean?

Frontera is a feminine noun that primarily refers to the geographical line separating two countries, states, or regions. It can also be used in a figurative sense to denote a limit, boundary, or the edge of a particular field of knowledge or experience.

📚 Extra examples

  • Tuvimos que mostrar nuestros pasaportes en la frontera.
    We had to show our passports at the border.
  • La ciudad se encuentra cerca de la frontera con Francia.
    The city is located near the border with France.
  • Este descubrimiento expande la frontera de la ciencia médica.
    This discovery expands the frontier of medical science.
  • Las tensiones en la frontera han aumentado en los últimos meses.
    Tensions at the border have increased in recent months.
  • Hay una delgada frontera entre el genio y la locura.
    There is a thin line (border) between genius and madness.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'frontera' is derived from the word 'frente' (front). Historically, it referred to the 'front line' in a military sense, marking the territory that faced the enemy. This origin highlights its initial meaning as a line of defense or confrontation.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "frontera"

Synonyms: límite, divisoria, confín, linde
Opposites: interior, centro, corazón

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'border' in Spanish?
The most direct and common translation for 'border' in Spanish is 'frontera'. Depending on the context, 'límite' (limit, boundary) can also be used.
How do you pronounce 'frontera' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is fron-TEH-rah. The stress falls on the second syllable, 'te'. The 'r' sound is a soft, tapped 'r' as is typical in Spanish.
How do you use 'frontera' in a sentence?
A clear example is: 'La frontera entre los dos países está cerrada por la noche.' (The border between the two countries is closed at night.)
What is the English translation of 'frontera'?
The primary English translation of 'frontera' is 'border'. In contexts referring to the edge of explored territory or knowledge, it can also be translated as 'frontier'.
Does 'frontera' change for gender or number?
'Frontera' is a feminine noun. Its singular form is 'la frontera' and its plural form is 'las fronteras'.
Is 'frontera' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'frontera' is a very common word, frequently used in news, politics, geography, and travel conversations.
Does 'frontera' have slang or double meanings?
'Frontera' does not have common slang meanings. Its main distinction is between its literal, geographical sense and its figurative use to describe a limit or boundary in an abstract context.
Is 'frontera' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
No, the word 'frontera' is used with the same meaning and context throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

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