hacer frente a
Lemma Details
Translation: to face; to confront; to deal with; to cope with; to tackle
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This Spanish phrase combines 'hacer' (to make/do), 'frente' (front/face), and the preposition 'a' (to). Literally meaning 'to make front to,' it evolved to express confronting or dealing with challenges. 'Frente' derives from Latin 'frons, frontis' (forehead, front), sharing roots with English 'front' and 'frontal.' The construction parallels English idioms like 'to face up to' or 'to confront,' showing how both languages use spatial metaphors of facing something to express dealing with challenges.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 50%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Tenemos que hacer frente a la crisis económica.
We have to face the economic crisis.
Ella hizo frente a sus miedos y habló en público.
She confronted her fears and spoke in public.
La empresa debe hacer frente a sus deudas.
The company must deal with its debts.
¿Cómo harás frente a este problema?
How will you tackle this problem?
Mnemonics
- Think of 'hacer frente a' as 'making your front face toward' a challenge instead of turning away from it.
- Visualize yourself physically turning to face (frente) a problem rather than avoiding it.
- Connect it to the English phrase 'to face up to' which has a similar construction and meaning.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is widely used in both personal and professional contexts in Spanish-speaking countries. It often appears in discussions about challenges, problems, or responsibilities, and can have connotations of courage or resilience when facing difficulties.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Hacer frente a' requires the preposition 'a' before the thing being confronted, while 'hacer frente' without 'a' can sometimes be used in more general contexts without specifying what is being confronted.
Notes: The preposition 'a' is essential when specifying what is being confronted.
Mnemonic: Remember the 'a' in 'hacer frente a' points TO what you're facing.
Explanation: While both mean 'to face/confront,' 'enfrentarse a' often implies a more direct confrontation or opposition, sometimes with conflict, whereas 'hacer frente a' can include dealing with problems more generally.
Confused word:
Se enfrentó a su jefe por el maltrato.
He confronted his boss about the mistreatment.
Notes: 'Hacer frente a' is often more about handling challenges, while 'enfrentarse a' can suggest more direct confrontation.
Mnemonic: 'Enfrentarse' contains 'frente' with 'en-' (in) suggesting being directly in front of something/someone.