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

📅 Published: December 26, 2025

📘 Essential Spanish

límite

noun • /[LEE-mee-te]/

limit

Example:

Este es el límite de equipaje.

This is the luggage limit.

🧠 What does límite mean?

Límite is a masculine noun that translates to 'limit', 'boundary', or 'border'. It refers to a real or imaginary line that marks the end of a space, time, or concept. It can describe a physical border, a conceptual restriction, the maximum extent of something, or a deadline (often as 'fecha límite').

📚 Extra examples

  • El río marca el límite natural entre los dos países.
    The river marks the natural boundary between the two countries.
  • Hay un límite en la cantidad de equipaje que puedes llevar.
    There is a limit on the amount of luggage you can carry.
  • Mi paciencia ha llegado a su límite.
    My patience has reached its limit.
  • La fecha límite para entregar la solicitud es el próximo viernes.
    The deadline to submit the application is next Friday.
  • Los atletas de élite llevan sus cuerpos al límite.
    Elite athletes push their bodies to the limit.
  • Es importante establecer límites claros en cualquier relación profesional.
    It is important to establish clear boundaries in any professional relationship.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'límite' comes from the Latin 'limes' (genitive 'limitis'), which referred to a boundary path or the fortified frontier of the Roman Empire. This ancient sense of a physical, often defended, border still influences related words like 'limítrofe' (bordering or adjacent).

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "límite"

Synonyms: frontera, barrera, tope, restricción, confín, plazo
Opposites: infinito, inmensidad, posibilidad, libertad, amplitud

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'limit' in Spanish?
The most direct translation for 'limit' is 'límite' (m). For a physical border, you can also use 'frontera' (f). For a deadline, 'fecha límite' (f) or 'plazo' (m) are common.
How do you pronounce 'límite' in Spanish?
The word 'límite' is pronounced 'lee-mee-teh'. The stress falls on the first syllable, 'lí-', as indicated by the accent mark.
How do you use 'límite' in a sentence?
Use 'límite' as a masculine noun. For example: 'El límite de velocidad en esta calle es de 50 kilómetros por hora.' (The speed limit on this street is 50 kilometers per hour.)
What is the English translation of 'límite'?
The English translation of 'límite' is 'limit', 'boundary', or 'deadline'.
Does 'límite' change for gender or number?
As a masculine noun, 'límite' does not change for gender. It does change for number: the singular is 'el límite' and the plural is 'los límites'.
Is 'límite' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'límite' is a very common and essential word used in numerous contexts, from geography and mathematics to time management and personal relationships.
Does 'límite' have slang or double meanings?
'Límite' does not have any common slang meanings. The expression 'al límite' means 'on the edge' or 'to the limit', and is used to describe a situation of extreme effort, risk, or intensity.
Is 'límite' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The use of 'límite' is consistent across all Spanish-speaking regions. For 'deadline', 'fecha límite' is universally understood, though some areas may also frequently use 'plazo'.

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