combattre
/kɔ̃.batʁ/
To tackle (to face or deal with) in French is combattre. Wiktionary also lists affronter.
Meaning: to face or deal with (verb)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| combattre | /kɔ̃.batʁ/ |
| affronter | /a.fʁɔ̃.te/ |
The verb affronter can be used to express the concept of 'tackle' when facing a challenge or problem. For more specific ways to tackle a situation, you might use the formal expression S'attaquer à to convey the idea of tackling a problem or Prendre en charge when referring to taking charge of a problem or situation. Additionally, Surmonter means 'to overcome'.
Which one should you use?
While both mean to tackle a problem, combattre implies a more intense, prolonged struggle or a literal fight against an enemy or a disease. affronter is the most direct equivalent for 'tackling' a situation or a person, focusing on the act of facing a challenge head-on.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔ̃.batʁ/
Did you know?
- The verb affronter comes from the word front, meaning 'forehead'. It literally describes the act of facing something forehead to forehead.
- While 'tackle' in English can refer to sports, using combattre to describe a football player's movement would sound as though they are entering a literal war.
Examples in context
- L'entreprise a dû affronter de nombreux problèmes financiers.The company had to tackle numerous financial issues.
- Il faut s'attaquer au problème du chômage.We must tackle the issue of unemployment.
- Je dois m'occuper des problèmes administratifs.I have to tackle the administrative issues.
- On va résoudre ce souci ensemble.We'll tackle this issue together.
- Je dois gérer tous ces problèmes au travail.I have to tackle all these issues at work.
- Il faut combattre la pauvreté.We must tackle poverty.
- Elle veut combattre ses peurs.She wants to tackle her fears.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Manon are discussing a difficult project at work.
- GabrielCe projet est vraiment difficile, Manon.This project is really difficult, Manon.
- ManonOui, nous devons combattre ce défi dès maintenant.Yes, we need to tackle this challenge right now.
- GabrielPar quoi devrions-nous commencer ?What should we start with?
- ManonAnalysons d'abord les données.Let's analyze the data first.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tackle” translations and entries combattre, affronter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries affronter, combattre, CC BY-SA 4.0.
