Spanish Conversation · Level 86
60 words
Spanish word
barrera
Pronunciation
IPA/baˈreɾa/
Meaning
- feminine nounobstacle
Example
El idioma fue una barrera para viajar.
The language was an obstacle to travel.
More examples
En la empresa trabajaron para derribar barreras culturales entre los equipos.
At the company they worked to break down cultural barriers between the teams.
Core concept
A closed gate across a road.
Common phrases
barrera idiomática
language barrier
derribar barreras
break down barriers
barrera cultural
cultural barrier
barrera de entrada
barrier to entry
Similar words
obstáculo: Impediment that stops progress toward a goal or completion of a task.
traba: Obstruction that slows movement or delays progress.
estorbo: Physical nuisance that gets in the way of movement or work.
Definition in Spanish
Objeto o situación que crea una obstrucción o dificultad para pasar, acceder o entenderse.
Word origin
The word comes from Old French barrière, itself from barre 'bar', and it now covers both a physical bar used to stop passage and broader obstacles or impediments.
Usage tips
- Barrera often collocates with actions (romper una barrera, superar una barrera) and frequently denotes institutional or social impediments rather than a permanent wall.