How to Say “Challenge” in Spanish

desafío
/desafio/from spelling rules
The English word 'challenge' is translated into Spanish as desafío.
desafío is used to describe a difficult task. It can also refer to a formal provocation or a confrontation between two parties.
Meaning: difficult task (noun)

Which one should you use?

While desafío refers to a difficult task or a provocation, you might also use reto to express the idea of a challenge, especially in professional settings. Additionally, dificultad can be used to convey the general sense of a challenge or difficulty.

Related words

How do you pronounce it?

/desafio/

Did you know?

  • While desafío and reto both mean 'challenge', reto comes from the Latin word for 'net', suggesting the idea of catching someone in a trap or a contest.
  • The word desafío shares a hidden ancestor with the English word 'faith'. Both stem from the Latin 'fīdere', meaning 'to trust'.
  • In some historical contexts, a desafío was not just a difficult task but a legal act of breaking a truce, making it a formal declaration of enmity.

Examples in context

  • Este es un desafío.
    This is a challenge.
    This sentence is useful for identifying a challenge.
    Tatoeba #2993916 by marcelostockle, translation #4496382 by CK
  • Yo aprecio un desafío.
    I enjoy a challenge.
    This sentence shows how to express appreciation for a challenge.
    Tatoeba #2828728 by marcelostockle, translation #2325169 by CK
  • ¡Le desafío a un duelo!
    I challenge you to a duel!
    This sentence demonstrates using the verb form of the concept in the context of a duel.
    Tatoeba #4441975 by Shishir, translation #11324012 by Luornu
  • Superar este desafío será fundamental para nuestro crecimiento profesional.
    Overcoming this challenge will be crucial for our professional growth.
  • El proyecto plantea un reto técnico interesante.
    The project presents an interesting technical challenge.
  • No te preocupes por las dificultades, siempre hay soluciones.
    Don't worry about the challenges, there are always solutions.
  • Me encontré con un jaleo en el trabajo hoy.
    I encountered a difficult situation at work today.
  • 26 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

Mateo and Sofía are talking about a new project at work.

  1. Mateo

    Este proyecto es un desafío muy grande.
    This project is a very big challenge.
  2. Sofía

    Sí, pero será divertido aprender.
    Yes, but it will be fun to learn.
  3. Mateo

    Creo que podemos superar el desafío.
    I think we can overcome the challenge.
  4. Sofía

    Tienes razón, Mateo. Vamos a lograrlo.
    You are right, Mateo. We are going to achieve it.

Sources

  • IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
  • Word origins: Wiktionary entries desafío, CC BY-SA 4.0.
  • Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
⭐Share⭐ to appreciate human effort 🙏
Ross Gordon
Ross GordonHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
guest
0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Scroll to Top