Spanish Conversation · Level 135
45 words
Spanish word
orillar
Pronunciation
IPA/oɾiˈʝaɾ/
Meaning
- verbbring ashore
Example
El marinero orilló la barca en la orilla.
The sailor brought the boat ashore.
More examples
En la carretera estrecha, tuve que orillar el coche para dejar pasar a un camión.
On the narrow road, I had to pull the car to the shoulder to let a truck pass.
Core concept
Thing or person moved toward the edge or side of a shore, bank, or surface.
Common phrases
orillar el coche al arcén
pull the car to the shoulder
orillar la bicicleta
pull the bicycle to the side
Similar words
arrimar: Places something close up against a wall, edge, or other nearby surface.
acercar: Brings something or someone closer by reducing the distance between them.
Definition in Spanish
Mover o colocar algo junto al borde de una orilla, vía o superficie; en sentido figurado, desplazar o marginar a una persona o cosa hacia un lado.
Word origin
Formed from the noun orilla 'shore, edge' plus the verb ending -ar; orilla derives from Latin ora 'border' with diminutive -illa, so the verb carries the idea of shifting something toward the edge.
Usage tips
- Orillar frequently appears with a person marked by a (orillar a alguien) and in such uses usually means to sideline or marginalize rather than literally bring someone ashore.