lidiar
/lee-dee-AR/
to deal with
Lidiar can mean 'to deal with' or handle a difficult situation.
lidiar(verb)
to deal with
?handling a situation or difficulty
,to cope with
?managing stress or struggle
to handle
?a complex task or person
,to contend with
?facing an opponent or obstacle
📝 In Action
Tengo que lidiar con mucho tráfico cada mañana.
A2I have to deal with a lot of traffic every morning.
¿Cómo lidiamos con este problema sin ayuda?
B1How do we cope with this problem without help?
Ella siempre lidia con clientes difíciles de manera profesional.
B2She always handles difficult clients in a professional manner.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Needs 'Con'
When 'lidiar' means 'to deal with' a problem or person, it always needs the preposition 'con' (with) right after it, similar to how we use 'deal with' in English.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing Preposition
Mistake: "Lidié el problema."
Correction: Lidié con el problema. (Always include 'con' when referring to what you are coping with.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Focus on Difficulty
'Lidiar' often implies that the situation or person you are dealing with is difficult, annoying, or requires effort. Use it when 'manejar' (to manage) doesn't capture the struggle.
When referring to the ring, lidiar means 'to bullfight.'
lidiar(verb)
to bullfight
?to participate in a bullfight
to fight (a bull)
?specific context of the bullring
📝 In Action
El torero debe lidiar al toro con gracia y valentía.
C1The bullfighter must fight the bull with grace and courage.
La plaza de toros estaba lista para lidiar seis toros bravos.
C1The bullring was ready to fight six brave bulls.
⭐ Usage Tips
Historical Connection
This definition is the original meaning. Think of the modern usage ('to deal with a problem') as fighting or struggling against a difficult situation, just like a bullfighter faces a bull.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: lidiar
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'lidiar' in its most common, everyday context?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'lidiar' always negative?
Not always negative, but it definitely implies effort or difficulty. You usually 'lidiar con' something that is tough or annoying, like traffic, stress, or a difficult boss. If something is easy, you would probably just 'manejar' (handle) it.
Does 'lidiar' require a preposition?
Yes, almost always in its modern sense! If you are dealing with a person or a problem, you must include the preposition 'con' (with): 'Lidio con mis vecinos' (I deal with my neighbors).