lidiar con
Lemma Details
Translation: to deal with; to cope with; to handle; to manage; to contend with
Part of Speech: phrasal verb
Etymology: The verb 'lidiar' comes from Latin 'litigare' meaning 'to dispute' or 'to quarrel', which is also the origin of English 'litigate'. The preposition 'con' means 'with'. Together, the phrase evolved to mean dealing with difficult situations or people, similar to how litigation involves managing disputes.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Ella sabe lidiar con personas difíciles.
She knows how to deal with difficult people.
Lidiar con el estrés es importante para la salud mental.
Coping with stress is important for mental health.
Tengo que lidiar con muchos problemas en el trabajo.
I have to deal with many problems at work.
No sé cómo lidiar con esta situación tan complicada.
I don't know how to handle this complicated situation.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'lidiar' as similar to 'litigate' - both involve dealing with conflicts.
- Imagine 'lidiar con' as 'leading with' a problem until you solve it.
- Connect it to 'lid' in English - putting a lid on a problem means you're handling it.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in everyday Spanish to describe handling difficult situations or people. It has connections to bullfighting terminology, where 'lidiar' refers to the matador's confrontation with the bull, reflecting the Spanish cultural influence on the language.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'lidiar con' means 'to deal with' or 'to handle', 'luchar contra' means 'to fight against' or 'to struggle against'. 'Lidiar con' implies managing or coping with something, while 'luchar contra' suggests active opposition or resistance.
Notes: 'Lidiar con' often applies to problems, situations, or people that need to be managed, while 'luchar contra' typically applies to concepts, systems, or conditions that one opposes.
Mnemonic: 'Lidiar con' is about dealing with something (like putting a 'lid' on it), while 'luchar contra' is about fighting (think 'luchador' - a fighter).
Explanation: 'Lidiar con' emphasizes handling difficult situations or challenges, while 'tratar con' more broadly means 'to deal with' or 'to interact with' and doesn't necessarily imply difficulty.
Confused word:
Me gusta tratar con clientes.
I like dealing with customers.
Notes: 'Tratar con' is more neutral and can refer to simple interactions, while 'lidiar con' often implies managing something challenging.
Mnemonic: Think of 'lidiar con' for 'leading through' difficulties, and 'tratar con' for 'treating' or interacting with people or situations.