da la cara
/da la kaɾa/from spelling rules
To show your face is translated into Spanish as da la cara.
While the phrase can be understood literally, it is used idiomatically to mean accepting responsibility for one's actions or confronting a situation instead of avoiding it.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb dar (to give), the article la (the) and the noun cara (face), literally translating to "give the face".
How does it change in a sentence?
The general concept is expressed using the infinitive form dar la cara. The specific form da la cara functions as the third person singular present indicative, meaning "he/she shows his/her face". In the first person singular present indicative, the verb dar conjugates to doy, as in doy la cara (I show my face).
How do you pronounce it?
/da la kaɾa/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the noun cara is also used to describe the 'heads' side of a coin, the opposite of cruz (cross/tails).
- The word cara was inherited from Late Latin or Vulgar Latin, originating from the Ancient Greek word kára, which meant 'head'.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, avoiding dar la cara is closely linked to the concept of 'vergüenza', which blends the English ideas of shame and embarrassment.
Examples in context
- Muestre su rostro, por favor.Show your face, please
- Permítame ver su cara, por favor.Allow me to see your face, please
- Enséñame tu cara, por favor.Show me your face, please
- Si cometiste un error, da la cara.If you made a mistake, show your face.
Example conversation
Sofía is confronting Alejandro about a mistake he made at work.
- SofíaAlejandro, no puedes huir de este problema.Alejandro, you cannot run away from this problem.
- AlejandroNo sé qué decir, Sofía.I don't know what to say, Sofía.
- SofíaSolo da la cara y asume tu responsabilidad.Just show your face and take responsibility.
- AlejandroTienes razón, iré a hablar con el jefe.You are right, I will go talk to the boss.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cara, la, CC BY-SA 4.0.
