The phrase "cara a" functions as a preposition in Spanish.
/káɾa a/
The phrase "cara a" is generally used to denote a position or relation that is directly facing something or someone. It can describe physical orientation, such as a person standing face-to-face with another, as well as metaphorical contexts, such as a situation where two parties are directly confronting each other.
It is moderately frequent in both oral and written contexts, though it might appear more frequently in written articles, literature, and formal discussions rather than in everyday conversation.
"Nos encontramos cara a cara en el debate."
"We found ourselves face to face in the debate."
"El perro se quedó cara a la pared."
"The dog stayed facing the wall."
"Es importante estar cara a las dificultades en la vida."
"It is important to confront difficulties in life."
The phrase "cara a" frequently appears in various idiomatic expressions in Spanish, often signifying confrontation or direct interaction. Below are a few examples:
Example: "Tuvieron una conversación cara a cara sobre el problema."
"They had a face-to-face conversation about the problem."
"Cara a la adversidad"
"in the face of adversity"
Example: "Debemos mantenernos firmes cara a la adversidad."
"We must stand firm in the face of adversity."
"Cara a la comunidad"
"in front of the community"
Example: "El alcalde habló cara a la comunidad sobre las nuevas políticas."
"The mayor spoke in front of the community about the new policies."
"Cara a las críticas"
"in the face of criticism"
The word "cara" derives from Latin "cāra", which means "face." The preposition "a" comes from Latin "ad," meaning towards or to.
"ante" (before)
Antonyms:
This lexical combination imparts notions of confrontation, directness, and proximity, enriching the communicative nuances in Spanish conversations and texts.