When two things are contiguo, it means they are right next to each other, sharing a border. Think of two houses that are touching. They are contiguas. It's like saying 'adjacent' or 'next door' in English. It's a useful word to describe things that are directly in contact with one another.
When something is contiguo, it means it's right next to something else, sharing a border or touching. Think of two houses that share a wall – they are contiguas. Or perhaps two countries that share a border, like Spain and Portugal, they are also contiguos. It's a useful word for describing how things are physically arranged in space. You'll often hear it in descriptions of properties, rooms, or geographical areas.
When we talk about things that are contiguo, we mean they are right next to each other, sharing a border or touching. Imagine two houses built side-by-side with a shared wall – those houses are contiguas. Or perhaps you have two plots of land that touch each other; they would be contiguos.
This word is useful for describing physical proximity where there's no space in between. Think of it as a slightly more formal way to say "next to" when things are literally touching. For example, you might say "las dos habitaciones son contiguas" to mean "the two rooms are adjacent" or "touching."
When we talk about things being contiguo, we mean they are right next to each other, sharing a border or touching. Imagine two houses built side-by-side with no space in between—they are contiguas. Or consider two countries whose territories meet at a specific line; those countries are contiguos. It implies a direct physical proximity, where one object or area literally touches the other without any interruption.
مستوى الصعوبة
short
short
short
short
ماذا تتعلّم بعد ذلك
المتطلبات الأساسية
تعلّم لاحقاً
متقدم
قواعد يجب معرفتها
Adjectives like 'contiguo' must agree in gender and number with the noun they modify. For example, 'el edificio contiguo' (the contiguous building) or 'las casas contiguas' (the contiguous houses).
La oficina contigua es más grande. (The contiguous office is larger.)
'Contiguo' is often used with the prepositions 'a' or 'con' to specify what something is contiguous to. For example, 'contiguo a la pared' (contiguous to the wall) or 'contiguo con mi propiedad' (contiguous with my property).
El jardín es contiguo al parque. (The garden is contiguous to the park.)
This adjective can describe physical proximity, meaning things are next to each other and touching. Think of it as 'adjoining' or 'neighboring'.
Tenemos una mesa contigua a la ventana. (We have a table adjoining the window.)
It can also be used in a more abstract sense to refer to things that are immediately following in a sequence or series, but this is less common than its spatial meaning.
Los números contiguos en la serie son tres y cuatro. (The contiguous numbers in the series are three and four.)
While similar in meaning to 'cercano' (close) or 'próximo' (next), 'contiguo' specifically implies a direct physical touching or sharing of a border, whereas 'cercano' or 'próximo' can mean simply 'near' without touching.
Mi casa es contigua a la tuya. (My house is contiguous to yours.) - meaning they share a border. Mi casa está cercana a la tuya. (My house is near yours.) - meaning they are close, but not necessarily touching.
أمثلة حسب المستوى
Mi casa es contigua a la tuya.
My house is touching yours.
Las sillas están contiguas.
The chairs are touching.
Hay un parque contiguo al río.
There's a park next to the river.
Los países contiguos comparten una frontera.
Touching countries share a border.
El baño está contiguo al dormitorio.
The bathroom is next to the bedroom.
Tenemos escritorios contiguos en la oficina.
We have touching desks in the office.
El pueblo es contiguo a la montaña.
The town is next to the mountain.
Los edificios contiguos son muy viejos.
The touching buildings are very old.
تعبيرات اصطلاحية
"Estar al lado de"
To be next to
Mi casa está al lado de la tuya. (My house is next to yours.)
neutral"Estar pegado/a a"
To be stuck to / very close to
Las sillas estaban pegadas a la pared. (The chairs were stuck to the wall.)
neutral"Colindar con"
To border on / adjoin
Mi terreno colinda con el río. (My land borders on the river.)
formal"Limitar con"
To border on / share a border with
España limita con Francia y Portugal. (Spain borders on France and Portugal.)
neutral"Unir a"
To join to / connect to (indicating closeness)
El puente une las dos ciudades. (The bridge connects the two cities.)
neutral"Vecino/a a"
Neighboring / adjacent to
El edificio vecino a nuestra oficina. (The building adjacent to our office.)
neutral"Al lado de la mano"
Right next to you / very close at hand
Tenía el libro al lado de la mano. (I had the book right next to me.)
informal"Puerta con puerta"
Door to door / right next to each other (referring to residences)
Vivimos puerta con puerta. (We live door to door.)
neutral"Codo con codo"
Elbow to elbow / side by side (often implies working together)
Trabajamos codo con codo en el proyecto. (We worked side by side on the project.)
neutral"A la vera de"
Next to / alongside (often used for roads, rivers)
Caminamos a la vera del camino. (We walked alongside the road.)
neutralنصائح
Think 'contiguous'
The Spanish word contiguo sounds a lot like the English word contiguous. Both mean sharing a common border or touching. This similarity can be a helpful memory aid!
Common usage with 'a'
When using contiguo, you'll often see it followed by the preposition a (to/next to). For example, 'La casa es contigua a la tienda.' (The house is next to the store.)
Adjective agreement
Remember that contiguo is an adjective, so it needs to agree in gender and number with the noun it describes.
Masculine singular: contiguo
Feminine singular: contigua
Masculine plural: contiguos
Feminine plural: contiguas
Not 'continuo'
Don't confuse contiguo with continuo. Continuo means continuous or unceasing. While they share some letters, their meanings are distinct.
Visualize it
To remember contiguo, imagine two countries or buildings that are touching at their borders. This visual can help solidify the meaning.
Practice with places
Think about places you know. 'Mi oficina es contigua al café.' (My office is next to the cafe.) Or 'España y Portugal son países contiguos.' (Spain and Portugal are contiguous countries.)
Sentence structure
A common sentence structure is: [Noun 1] es/son contiguo/a/os/as a [Noun 2].
'El parque es contiguo al río.' (The park is adjacent to the river.)
Synonyms to know
Other words that can express similar ideas, though not always perfect synonyms, include adyacente (adjacent) or cercano (close/nearby).
Formal vs. informal
Contiguo is a more formal word. In casual conversation, you might simply say 'está al lado de' (it's next to) or 'está junto a' (it's alongside).
Use flashcards
Create flashcards with contiguo on one side and 'sharing a common border; touching' on the other. Include example sentences to reinforce your understanding.
اختبر نفسك 36 أسئلة
Mi casa es ___ a la tuya.
The houses are next to each other, so 'contigua' (adjoining) is the correct word.
Las dos habitaciones son ___.
'Contiguas' means they are next to each other.
El parque está ___ al río.
The park and the river share a border, making them 'contiguo' (adjoining).
Vivimos en apartamentos ___.
They live in apartments that are next to each other.
La oficina es ___ a la sala de reuniones.
The office and the meeting room are next to each other.
Las sillas son ___.
The chairs are next to each other, so 'contiguas' (adjoining) fits.
Choose the word that means 'sharing a common border' or 'touching'.
The word 'contiguo' means sharing a common border or touching. The other options mean distant, separate, and different.
Which sentence correctly uses 'contiguo'?
'Contiguo' describes proximity or touching. The other sentences use adjectives that do not relate to the meaning of 'contiguo'.
What is the opposite of 'contiguo'?
'Alejado' means far away or distant, which is the opposite of sharing a common border or touching.
If two rooms are 'contiguas', it means they are far apart.
If two rooms are 'contiguas', it means they are touching or next to each other, not far apart.
The word 'contiguo' can be used to describe two countries that share a border.
Yes, 'contiguo' is perfect for describing two countries that share a common border.
A 'contiguo' object is always moving.
'Contiguo' refers to physical proximity, not movement. Objects can be 'contiguo' and stationary.
Imagine you are describing two houses next to each other. How would you say they are 'touching' or 'next to each other' in Spanish, using the word 'contiguo'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Las casas son contiguas. (The houses are contiguous.)
Your friend asks you where the park is. You want to say it's next to the school. How would you say 'The park is contiguous to the school'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
El parque es contiguo a la escuela. (The park is contiguous to the school.)
You are describing a map. You want to say that two countries share a border. How would you say 'The countries are contiguous'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Los países son contiguos. (The countries are contiguous.)
¿Qué significa que las habitaciones son contiguas? (What does it mean that the rooms are contiguous?)
Read this passage:
Mi habitación y la de mi hermano son contiguas. Podemos hablar fácilmente de una a la otra. (My room and my brother's room are contiguous. We can talk easily from one to the other.)
¿Qué significa que las habitaciones son contiguas? (What does it mean that the rooms are contiguous?)
The word 'contiguas' means they share a common border or are touching, so 'next to each other' is the correct answer.
The word 'contiguas' means they share a common border or are touching, so 'next to each other' is the correct answer.
¿Por qué es conveniente que el supermercado y la farmacia sean contiguos? (Why is it convenient that the supermarket and the pharmacy are contiguous?)
Read this passage:
El supermercado y la farmacia son edificios contiguos. Es muy conveniente para comprar todo. (The supermarket and the pharmacy are contiguous buildings. It's very convenient to buy everything.)
¿Por qué es conveniente que el supermercado y la farmacia sean contiguos? (Why is it convenient that the supermarket and the pharmacy are contiguous?)
Because they are contiguous, meaning next to each other, it is easy to go between them.
Because they are contiguous, meaning next to each other, it is easy to go between them.
¿Qué acción realizan España y Portugal porque son contiguos? (What action do Spain and Portugal do because they are contiguous?)
Read this passage:
En el mapa, España y Portugal son países contiguos. Comparten una frontera. (On the map, Spain and Portugal are contiguous countries. They share a border.)
¿Qué acción realizan España y Portugal porque son contiguos? (What action do Spain and Portugal do because they are contiguous?)
The definition of contiguous is sharing a common border, and the passage explicitly states they share a border.
The definition of contiguous is sharing a common border, and the passage explicitly states they share a border.
The speaker is describing their house's location.
The speaker is describing two buildings.
The speaker needs a piece of furniture in a specific position.
Read this aloud:
La cocina es contigua al comedor.
Focus: con-ti-gua
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Los dos países son contiguos.
Focus: con-ti-guos
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Pon el libro contiguo al vaso.
Focus: con-ti-guo
قلت:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence describes how adjacent cities often share more than just a border, extending to cultural aspects. The correct order ensures a logical flow from the subject (ciudades contiguas) to the verb (comparten) and its objects.
This sentence explains the state of a building next to another, often implied to be affected by the same event. The structure is subject (el edificio contiguo) + verb (estaba) + state (en ruinas) + temporal clause (después del incendio).
This sentence discusses a safety measure regarding the construction of homes near a nuclear plant. The construction 'se evita' (it is avoided) is a common passive construction in Spanish, followed by the infinitive 'construir' and its object 'viviendas contiguas a la planta nuclear'.
Describe a situation where two countries or properties are contiguous. Use 'contiguo' at least once in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
El terreno de mi vecino es contiguo al mío, separados solo por un pequeño arroyo. Esto ha generado algunas disputas sobre los límites exactos de nuestras propiedades a lo largo de los años. Históricamente, las tierras siempre han sido contiguas, lo que facilita el acceso, pero también complica la delimitación precisa. Ambos hemos tenido que consultar mapas antiguos para entender dónde se encuentra la verdadera frontera contigua.
Imagine you are explaining the concept of 'contiguous' to someone who is unfamiliar with the term. Write a short explanation, providing an example of two things that are contiguous.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Cuando algo es 'contiguo', significa que comparte un borde común o está tocando otra cosa sin interrupción. Piensa en dos estados de un país que tienen una frontera en común; esos estados son contiguos. Por ejemplo, California es contigua a Nevada, lo que implica que sus límites se unen directamente en algún punto. Es una palabra muy útil para describir cómo los elementos están físicamente unidos.
You are a real estate agent describing two adjacent properties. Use 'contiguo' to highlight their relationship. Include details about the advantages or disadvantages of their contiguity.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Tenemos dos parcelas de terreno excepcionales, una contigua a la otra, lo que ofrece una oportunidad única para expansión. La propiedad A es contigua a la propiedad B, permitiendo que un comprador adquiera una extensión considerable de tierra si decide comprar ambas. La ventaja principal de que sean contiguas es la posibilidad de desarrollar un solo proyecto grande. Sin embargo, una desventaja podría ser que cualquier problema con los límites de una propiedad afectaría directamente a la contigua.
¿Cuál es uno de los desafíos que presenta la contigüidad de las ciudades?
Read this passage:
El fenómeno de la urbanización ha llevado a que muchas ciudades se vuelvan contiguas, formando extensas megalópolis donde los límites entre una y otra son difíciles de discernir. Esta contigüidad espacial presenta desafíos únicos en términos de planificación urbana, gestión de recursos y provisión de servicios públicos. La interconexión de infraestructuras y la movilidad de la población entre áreas contiguas demandan una coordinación a gran escala.
¿Cuál es uno de los desafíos que presenta la contigüidad de las ciudades?
El pasaje menciona que la contigüidad lleva a que los límites entre ciudades sean difíciles de discernir.
El pasaje menciona que la contigüidad lleva a que los límites entre ciudades sean difíciles de discernir.
¿Qué puede facilitar la contigüidad territorial entre entidades políticas?
Read this passage:
En el estudio de la geografía política, el concepto de 'contigüidad territorial' es fundamental. Se refiere a la condición de dos o más entidades políticas que comparten una frontera terrestre ininterrumpida. Esta contigüidad puede facilitar la cooperación económica y cultural, pero también puede ser una fuente de conflictos si las relaciones entre las entidades son tensas. Un ejemplo clásico es la contigüidad de varios países europeos, lo que ha impulsado la creación de mercados comunes y acuerdos de libre tránsito.
¿Qué puede facilitar la contigüidad territorial entre entidades políticas?
El texto indica que 'Esta contigüidad puede facilitar la cooperación económica y cultural'.
El texto indica que 'Esta contigüidad puede facilitar la cooperación económica y cultural'.
¿Cómo se logra en la arquitectura moderna que los espacios parezcan contiguos?
Read this passage:
La arquitectura moderna a menudo busca la integración de espacios interiores y exteriores, creando áreas que parecen contiguas. Esto se logra mediante el uso de grandes ventanales, puertas corredizas y materiales que fluyen de un ambiente a otro. El objetivo es eliminar la sensación de barrera y hacer que, por ejemplo, el jardín parezca una extensión contigua del salón, fomentando así una mayor conexión con la naturaleza y una percepción de amplitud.
¿Cómo se logra en la arquitectura moderna que los espacios parezcan contiguos?
El pasaje explica que se logra 'mediante el uso de grandes ventanales, puertas corredizas y materiales que fluyen de un ambiente a otro'.
El pasaje explica que se logra 'mediante el uso de grandes ventanales, puertas corredizas y materiales que fluyen de un ambiente a otro'.
/ 36 correct
Perfect score!
Think 'contiguous'
The Spanish word contiguo sounds a lot like the English word contiguous. Both mean sharing a common border or touching. This similarity can be a helpful memory aid!
Common usage with 'a'
When using contiguo, you'll often see it followed by the preposition a (to/next to). For example, 'La casa es contigua a la tienda.' (The house is next to the store.)
Adjective agreement
Remember that contiguo is an adjective, so it needs to agree in gender and number with the noun it describes.
Masculine singular: contiguo
Feminine singular: contigua
Masculine plural: contiguos
Feminine plural: contiguas
Not 'continuo'
Don't confuse contiguo with continuo. Continuo means continuous or unceasing. While they share some letters, their meanings are distinct.
محتوى ذو صلة
تعلّمها في السياق
هذه الكلمة بلغات أخرى
مزيد من كلمات travel
acampada
B1The activity of spending a holiday living in a tent.
accesible
B1Able to be reached or entered; available.
acera
A1Sidewalk or pavement; a paved path for pedestrians at the side of a road.
acerca
B1On the subject of; concerning.
adelantar
A2To overtake or advance, to pass another vehicle or person.
adonde
A2To what place or destination.
adónde
A2Where to, to what place.
aduana
A1Customs; the official department that collects duties on imports and exports.
aerolínea
B1A company that provides regular public flights of aircraft for passengers and cargo.
aeropuerto
A1Airport
