enfrentarse
verb
1. to confront, to face + a
opposition or conflict
Common combinations
- enfrentarse a un rival — to face a rival
- enfrentarse en una pelea — to get into a fight
- Se enfrentó a su vecino.He confronted his neighbor.
- Los dos grupos se enfrentaron en la calle.The two groups clashed in the street.
- La policía se enfrentó a los manifestantes.The police confronted the demonstrators.
2. to face, to deal with + a
problem or difficulty
Common combinations
- enfrentarse a un problema — to face a problem
- enfrentarse a una dificultad — to face a difficulty
- Tenemos que enfrentarnos a este problema.We have to deal with this problem.
- María se enfrenta a una decisión difícil.María is facing a difficult decision.
- Se enfrentó a sus miedos.He faced his fears.
3. to compete against, to face + a
competition
Common combinations
- enfrentarse a un equipo — to compete against a team
- enfrentarse en la final — to face each other in the final
- El equipo se enfrenta al campeón mañana.The team faces the champion tomorrow.
- España se enfrentará a Italia en la final.Spain will face Italy in the final.
- Los dos candidatos se enfrentan en las elecciones.The two candidates are competing against each other in the election.
Same root
enfrentar