Inklingo

How to Say "challenge" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “challenge” is “reto” — use 'reto' when referring to a difficult task, goal, or activity that requires effort and determination, especially in a personal or developmental context.

reto🔊A2

Use 'reto' when referring to a difficult task, goal, or activity that requires effort and determination, especially in a personal or developmental context.

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desafíoA2

Use 'desafío' for a significant, often large-scale or abstract, difficult situation or task that poses a major obstacle or problem.

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empresa🔊B2

Choose 'empresa' for a particularly arduous, complex, or ambitious undertaking or project that requires considerable effort and planning.

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jaque🔊B2

Use 'jaque' specifically when a situation puts something or someone in a state of serious difficulty, pressure, or jeopardy, often implying a loss of control.

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objeciónB1

Use 'objeción' only when the 'challenge' refers to a formal dispute, disagreement, or protest against a decision, statement, or action, especially in legal or formal settings.

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English → Spanish

reto

RREH-tohˈre.to

nounA2general
Use 'reto' when referring to a difficult task, goal, or activity that requires effort and determination, especially in a personal or developmental context.
A small, determined figure standing at the base of a massive, steep, rocky mountain peak, symbolizing a difficult goal or task.

Examples

El reto de aprender español es fascinante.

The challenge of learning Spanish is fascinating.

Superamos todos los retos del proyecto a tiempo.

We overcame all the challenges of the project on time.

Este nuevo puesto es un gran reto profesional para mí.

This new position is a great professional challenge for me.

Always Masculine

'Reto' is a masculine noun, so always use the masculine article 'el' or 'un' before it: 'el reto' (the challenge).

Confusing Gender

Mistake: “La reto.”

Correction: El reto. Remember that nouns ending in -o are almost always masculine in Spanish.

desafío

nounA2general
Use 'desafío' for a significant, often large-scale or abstract, difficult situation or task that poses a major obstacle or problem.

Examples

El cambio climático es el mayor desafío que enfrenta nuestro planeta.

Climate change is the greatest challenge facing our planet.

empresa

em-PREH-sahemˈpɾesa

nounB2general
Choose 'empresa' for a particularly arduous, complex, or ambitious undertaking or project that requires considerable effort and planning.
A small, determined figure wearing a hardhat, laying the foundation bricks for a large, colorful structure, illustrating the start of a major undertaking.

Examples

Construir ese puente fue una empresa de ingeniería muy compleja.

Building that bridge was a very complex engineering undertaking.

Su viaje alrededor del mundo en bicicleta fue una empresa heroica.

His trip around the world by bicycle was a heroic venture.

Figurative Use

When 'empresa' is used this way, it refers to the massive effort or challenge involved, not a company. Context will tell you which meaning is intended.

jaque

HAH-kehˈxake

nounB2general
Use 'jaque' specifically when a situation puts something or someone in a state of serious difficulty, pressure, or jeopardy, often implying a loss of control.
A small wooden birdhouse sitting precariously on a thin, bending tree branch over a puddle.

Examples

La huelga de transporte puso en jaque a toda la ciudad.

The transport strike put the entire city in check (under serious pressure).

El nuevo virus ha puesto en jaque al sistema sanitario.

The new virus has threatened the health system's stability.

Sus declaraciones pusieron en jaque la reputación de la empresa.

His statements compromised the company's reputation.

The phrase 'Poner en jaque'

This is a fixed phrase. Even if you are talking about multiple people being threatened, 'jaque' usually stays singular because it refers to the state of being 'in check'.

Word Order

Mistake: “Poner jaque en...”

Correction: Always use 'poner en jaque [something]'. The 'en' must come before 'jaque'.

objeción

nounB1formal
Use 'objeción' only when the 'challenge' refers to a formal dispute, disagreement, or protest against a decision, statement, or action, especially in legal or formal settings.

Examples

El abogado levantó una objeción durante el juicio.

The lawyer raised an objection during the trial.

Reto vs. Desafío

Learners often confuse 'reto' and 'desafío,' as both mean a difficult task. Use 'reto' for personal goals or general difficulties, and 'desafío' for larger, more significant, or abstract obstacles.

Related Translations

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