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How to Say "facing" in Spanish

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frente

/FREN-tay//ˈfɾen.te/

prepositional phraseA2general
Use 'frente' when indicating that something is located directly in front of or opposite something else, often as a point of reference.
Two simple, identical figures sitting directly opposite each other across a small table.

Examples

La tienda está frente al banco.

The store is facing the bank.

Mi casa está frente al parque.

My house is in front of the park.

Se sentó frente a mí.

She sat opposite me.

Frente a este problema, debemos actuar.

In the face of this problem, we must act.

Contracting 'a + el'

When 'frente a' is followed by the masculine word 'el' (the), they combine to form 'al'. For example, 'frente a el parque' becomes 'frente al parque'.

opuesto

oh-PWEH-stoh/oˈpwesto/

adjectiveA2general
Use 'opuesto' to describe two things that are on opposite sides of something, emphasizing separation or being in contrary positions.
Two colorful houses on opposite sides of a narrow street, facing each other.

Examples

Nuestras casas están en lados opuestos de la calle.

Our houses are on opposite sides of the street.

Vivimos en lados opuestos de la ciudad.

We live on opposite sides of the city.

Ella se sentó en el extremo opuesto de la mesa.

She sat at the opposite end of the table.

Matching the Noun

This word changes its ending depending on what you are describing: use 'opuesto' for masculine nouns, 'opuesta' for feminine, and add an 's' for plurals.

Using 'frente' vs 'opuesto'

Mistake: “Using 'frente' when you mean 'the other side of the spectrum'.”

Correction: Use 'opuesto' for things that are fundamentally different or on the reverse side; 'frente' is usually just for things physically in front of you.

Frente vs. Opuesto

Learners often confuse 'frente' and 'opuesto'. Remember that 'frente' typically refers to a specific point of reference directly ahead, while 'opuesto' describes a more general state of being on opposing sides.

Related Translations

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