interpersonal boundaries

[ˌɪn.tɚ.ˈpɝ.sə.nəl ˈbaʊn.dər.iz]
nounpl: interpersonal boundaries
limites interpessoais
1. The physical, emotional, and psychological limits that individuals establish to maintain their sense of self and protect their well-being in relationships with others
Setting interpersonal boundaries is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and self-respect.
Estabelecer limites interpessoais é essencial para manter relacionamentos saudáveis e autoestima.
2. Guidelines or rules that define what behavior is acceptable or unacceptable in interactions between people
Clear interpersonal boundaries help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts in the workplace.
Limites interpessoais claros ajudam a evitar mal-entendidos e conflitos no trabalho.
3. The invisible demarcation lines between personal space, time, energy, and emotional availability that people maintain with others
She learned to respect her own interpersonal boundaries by saying no to unreasonable requests.
Ela aprendeu a respeitar seus próprios limites interpessoais dizendo não a pedidos irrazoáveis.
In Brazilian culture, where personal relationships and warmth are highly valued, discussing interpersonal boundaries has become increasingly important in mental health awareness and therapy. The concept is particularly emphasized in urban centers like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. In the USA, especially in NYC, the concept of boundaries is deeply embedded in self-help culture, therapy, and workplace training. Americans tend to be more direct in stating boundaries, while Brazilians may find this approach less warm and more confrontational, preferring to maintain harmony while still protecting their personal space.
NYC Slang
keeping it real / knowing your lane / setting limits / drawing the line
Synonyms / Sinônimos
personal boundariesemotional boundariesrelationship boundarieslimitsdemarcation lines
Antonyms / Antônimos
enmeshmentboundary dissolutionlack of boundariescodependency

Regional Variations

General Brazilian Portuguese
limites interpessoais
Most common and widely used term in Brazilian Portuguese, especially in psychology and self-help contexts
Rio de Janeiro
limites interpessoais / fronteiras pessoais
Both terms are used interchangeably; 'fronteiras pessoais' is also popular in casual speech
São Paulo
limites interpessoais / limites relacionais
More formal and professional usage; both terms used in corporate and therapeutic settings
Portugal
limites interpessoais / fronteiras pessoais
Less commonly used in everyday conversation; more prevalent in academic and psychological contexts

Related Words

assertivenessself-respectcommunicationpersonal spaceconsentemotional healthrelationship dynamicspersonal autonomy

Related Idioms & Phrases

draw a line in the sand
know where to draw the line
respect someone's space
keep someone at arm's length
set the record straight
put your foot down
make it clear where you stand
Look up more words on Fala2Me
The free English-Portuguese dictionary with real Brazilian accents, NYC slang, conjugator and more
Open Fala2Me →