valla
nounCEFR B2
What does “valla” mean in English?
fence, barrier
fence, barrier (a structure that marks a boundary; valla publicitaria = hoarding; valla fronteriza = border fence)
Example sentences
El debate sobre la construcción de una valla fronteriza ha dividido profundamente a la clase política.
The debate over building a border fence has deeply divided the political class.
Las vallas publicitarias de las autovías están sujetas a una regulación estricta sobre el tamaño y la distancia entre ellas.
The advertising hoardings on motorways are subject to strict regulations on size and spacing.
Los atletas entrenan el salto de vallas para mejorar tanto la velocidad como la coordinación.
Athletes train hurdles to improve both speed and coordination.
How to use it
La valla (noun, feminine) means 'fence, barrier, hoarding'. At B2 it appears in political (border control), urban planning, and advertising contexts. Core collocations: valla fronteriza (border fence); valla publicitaria (billboard — very frequent); saltar la valla; construir/levantar una valla; valla de seguridad (security barrier). Related: la barrera (barrier — more abstract or functional) and el muro (wall — solid, permanent). Distinguish from cerca (fence/enclosure — more agricultural/rural) and muro (solid wall).
Common mistake
Valla publicitaria (billboard/hoarding) is one of the most common uses in everyday Spanish — don't restrict valla to the political border sense. Don't confuse with barrera (barrier — often abstract) or muro (solid wall). 'Hurdles' in athletics = vallas (plural).