enfrentar
/en-fren-TAR/
to face
To face a problem, challenge, or fear.
enfrentar(verb)
to face
?a problem, a challenge, a fear
,to confront
?a difficult situation or person
to tackle
?a task or issue
📝 In Action
Tenemos que enfrentar la realidad, no podemos ignorarla.
A2We have to face reality; we can't ignore it.
El presidente enfrentó muchas críticas por su nueva ley.
B1The president confronted a lot of criticism for his new law.
Ella enfrenta sus miedos con valentía.
A2She faces her fears with courage.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Action Verb
In this meaning, 'enfrentar' is always used directly: the subject (who is doing the action) faces the object (the problem or person). No extra words are usually needed between the verb and the thing being faced.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Mixing Transitive and Reflexive
Mistake: "Me enfrento el problema."
Correction: Enfrento el problema. (The 'me' is only used if the problem is facing you back, which is the next definition.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Use for Difficulties
Use this form primarily when talking about facing abstract difficulties, like fears, consequences, or economic hardship.
To face off against an opponent in a competition or battle.
enfrentar(verb)
to face off
?in a competition or battle
,to clash
?when two people/groups argue or fight
to confront each other
?mutual conflict
📝 In Action
Los dos equipos se enfrentarán en la final mañana.
B1The two teams will face off in the final tomorrow.
Ellos se enfrentaron por el control de la empresa.
B2They clashed over the control of the company.
Marta se enfrentó a su jefe sobre el horario.
B1Marta confronted her boss about the schedule.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Se' Particle
When you use 'enfrentarse,' the small word 'se' (or 'me,' 'te,' 'nos,' etc.) shows that the action is either mutual (they confront each other) or that the subject is initiating a confrontation against something, usually followed by 'a' or 'con'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using the wrong preposition
Mistake: "Se enfrentaron por el jefe."
Correction: Se enfrentaron *con* el jefe. (Use 'con' or 'a' to introduce the person or thing being confronted.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Conflict Focus
This form emphasizes conflict, opposition, or a direct, often personal, challenge. If you are describing a debate or a sports match, this is the form you need.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: enfrentar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses the transitive form of 'enfrentar' (Definition 1)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'enfrentar' and 'enfrentarse'?
'Enfrentar' (without the 'se') means *you* face a problem or situation. 'Enfrentarse' (with 'se') means two things are facing *each other* (like teams in a game), or that you are initiating a confrontation *with* someone (often followed by 'a' or 'con').
Is 'enfrentar' a difficult verb to conjugate?
No, 'enfrentar' is a regular -ar verb, meaning its endings follow the standard, predictable pattern. If you know how to conjugate 'hablar,' you know how to conjugate 'enfrentar'!