Noun
/lɪm.bo/
In Spanish, "limbo" primarily refers to a theological concept in Christianity, specifically the state of souls that have died in original sin but are not condemned to Hell. The term is also used colloquially to denote a state of uncertainty or suspension—essentially a "grey area" where someone or something is in limbo.
The frequency of use is moderate; it can appear both in oral speech and written contexts, though it may be more prevalent in literature, religious discussions, and formal statements. In casual conversations, it may appear when discussing situations of uncertainty or dealing with bureaucracy.
Babies who die without being baptized go to limbo, according to Catholic belief.
Después de la reunión, quedó en limbo su futuro en la empresa.
After the meeting, his future in the company remained in limbo.
La solicitud de mi visa está en limbo, no he recibido noticias.
The word "limbo" does appear in some idiomatic expressions, primarily relating to uncertainty:
Translation: I am in limbo regarding my job; I don’t know if they will renew my contract.
Pasar por el limbo
Translation: Sometimes I feel like I go through the limbo of my decisions and I don’t know what to do.
Vivir en limbo
Translation: Living in limbo while I wait for the university's response is very stressful.
Dejar en limbo
The term "limbo" comes from the Latin word limbus, which means "border" or “edge.” In Christian theology, it specifically refers to the border territory on the edge of Hell, where unbaptized infants and the righteous who died before Christ were said to reside.