Inklingo

How to Say "challenge" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “challenge” is “desafío” — use this word for a general difficult situation or task that needs to be overcome, often something significant or abstract..

English → Spanish

desafío

nounA2general
Use this word for a general difficult situation or task that needs to be overcome, often something significant or abstract.

Examples

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

Climate change is the greatest challenge facing our planet.

reto

/RREH-toh//ˈre.to/

nounA2general
Use this for a difficult task or goal that requires effort and determination, often with a sense of personal achievement.
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.

objeción

nounB1formal
Use this specifically when someone is formally disputing or disagreeing with a decision, statement, or proposal, particularly in a legal or formal setting.

Examples

El abogado levantó una objeción durante el juicio.

The lawyer raised an objection during the trial.

empresa

em-PREH-sah/emˈpɾesa/

nounB2general
Use this for a large, complex, and often ambitious undertaking or project that requires significant effort, resources, 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.

Desafío vs. Reto

The most common confusion is between 'desafío' and 'reto', as both can mean a difficult task. 'Desafío' often implies a broader, more significant obstacle, while 'reto' frequently refers to a more personal goal or task to be conquered.

Related Translations

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