frontal
“frontal” means “front” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
front, head-on
Also: direct, straightforward
📝 In Action
Necesitamos una foto frontal de la casa para el anuncio.
A2We need a front photo of the house for the advertisement.
El coche sufrió un choque frontal en la carretera.
B1The car suffered a head-on collision on the highway.
Me gusta que seas tan frontal con tus sentimientos.
B2I like that you are so direct with your feelings.
headlamp, frontal bone
Also: altar cloth
📝 In Action
No olvides traer tu frontal para la caminata nocturna.
B1Don't forget to bring your headlamp for the night hike.
El lóbulo frontal es responsable de la toma de decisiones.
C1The frontal lobe is responsible for decision making.
El museo exhibe un frontal de altar del siglo doce.
C2The museum exhibits a twelfth-century altar frontal.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: frontal
Question 1 of 3
Which of these means a 'head-on collision'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'frontalis,' which describes anything related to the 'frons' (the forehead or the front of something).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'frontal' the same as 'frente'?
Not exactly. 'Frente' is a noun (your forehead or the front of a battle), while 'frontal' is an adjective used to describe something as being located at the front.
Can I use 'frontal' to describe a person?
Yes! In many Spanish-speaking countries, it describes someone who is very direct, honest, and doesn't hide their opinions.
Does 'frontal' always refer to the physical front?
Mostly, yes, but it can also be used figuratively for 'direct' approaches to problems or conflicts.