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

📅 Published: January 8, 2026

📘 Essential Spanish

orilla

noun • /[o-REE-ya]/

shore

Example:

Caminamos por la orilla del lago.

We walked along the lakeshore.

🧠 What does orilla mean?

The noun 'orilla' refers to the land along the edge of a body of water, such as a sea, lake, or river. It is equivalent to the English words 'shore' or 'bank'. In a broader sense, 'orilla' can also mean the edge, border, or margin of any area, like the side of a road or the edge of a forest.

📚 Extra examples

  • Caminamos por la orilla del mar al atardecer.
    We walked along the seashore at sunset.
  • Había muchos árboles en la orilla del río.
    There were many trees on the riverbank.
  • El coche se detuvo en la orilla de la carretera.
    The car stopped on the side of the road.
  • Los niños jugaban en la orilla del lago.
    The children were playing on the shore of the lake.

💡 Did You Know?

The versatility of 'orilla' is notable in the common expression 'estar a la orilla de', which means 'to be on the verge of' or 'on the brink of'. This phrase allows a concrete geographical term to describe abstract states, such as 'estar a la orilla de la desesperación' (to be on the brink of despair).

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "orilla"

Synonyms: borde, margen, costa, ribera, litoral
Opposites: centro, interior, mar adentro

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'shore' in Spanish?
The most common word for 'shore' is 'orilla'. For the sea, one can also use 'costa' (coast) or 'playa' (beach).
How do you pronounce 'orilla' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is /o-RI-lla/. The double 'll' is typically pronounced like the 'y' in the English word 'yes'.
How do you use 'orilla' in a sentence?
For example, one could say: 'Nos sentamos a la orilla del lago para ver el paisaje' (We sat on the shore of the lake to see the landscape).
What is the English translation of 'orilla'?
The primary English translation of 'orilla' is 'shore', 'bank', or 'edge'.
Does 'orilla' change for gender or number?
Yes. 'Orilla' is a feminine noun. The singular form is 'la orilla' and the plural is 'las orillas'.
Is 'orilla' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'orilla' is a very common word used to talk about the edge of bodies of water, roads, and other areas.
Does 'orilla' have slang or double meanings?
In addition to its literal meanings, 'orilla' can be used figuratively to refer to a marginalized area or social position, similar to 'outskirts' or 'periphery'. The expression 'a la orilla de' also means 'on the verge of'.
Is 'orilla' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The usage of 'orilla' is quite consistent across Spain and Latin America for its primary meanings of 'shore' and 'edge'. While some regions may prefer synonyms like 'ribera' for a riverbank, 'orilla' is universally understood.

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