Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| afrontar | /afɾonˈtaɾ/ |
| abordar | /aboɾˈdaɾ/ |
| emprender | /empɾenˈdeɾ/ |
| atajar | /ataˈxaɾ/ |
| acometer | /akomeˈteɾ/ |
The English verb 'to tackle' has several meanings in Spanish depending on whether you are addressing a problem, starting a project or performing a physical action in sports. When 'tackle' means to face a difficult situation, a fear or a responsibility bravely, use afrontar. If you are talking about angling gear in fishing, use equipo, aparejo or jarcia. For physical tackles in American football or rugby, use placaje or the anglicism tacleada.
Which one should you use?
The different Spanish forms change the nuance of 'tackle'. Use afrontar to imply facing a challenge or difficulty head-on. Use abordar when you are approaching or beginning to deal with a specific topic, issue or task. Use atajar when the intent is to tackle a problem to stop it from progressing or to cut it short. Use acometer to express tackling a task or obstacle with great energy, force or determination. Use emprender when 'tackle' means to set out on or begin a large, difficult or complex undertaking or project.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many parts of Latin America, the anglicism tacleada is used to refer to a tackle in sports such as American football.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
/afɾonˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- The word abordar originally comes from the maritime world, referring to the act of bringing one ship alongside another to transfer people or goods.
- The verb afrontar is a linguistic relative of the English word 'affront', as both derive from the Latin 'frons', meaning 'forehead' or 'front'.
- The verb emprender is used for 'tackling' a project, but it is also the root of emprendedor, the Spanish word for 'entrepreneur'.
Examples in context
- Tom no parece estar dispuesto a abordar el problema.Tom seems to be unwilling to tackle the problem.This sentence shows how to use abordar regarding a problem.Tatoeba #2861463 by cueyayotl, translation #1092955 by CK
- El equipo directivo se enfrentó a un desafío importante en la empresa.The management team tackled an important challenge in the company.
- El profesor abordó el tema de la discriminación en su conferencia.The professor tackled the topic of discrimination in his lecture.
- Tenemos que encarar el problema con valentía.We have to tackle the problem with courage.
- Estoy lidiando con muchos problemas en el trabajo.I'm tackling a lot of issues at work.
- María y Pedro se enfrentaron al desafío juntos.María and Pedro tackled the challenge together.
- Tenemos que afrontar las consecuencias de nuestros actos.We have to face the consequences of our actions.
- Ella decidió afrontar sus miedos finalmente.She decided to finally face her fears.
Example conversation
Two colleagues are discussing a difficult work project.
- LucíaJavier, ¿cómo vamos a afrontar este nuevo proyecto?Javier, how are we going to tackle this new project?
- JavierDebemos planificar cada paso con mucho cuidado.We must plan every step very carefully.
- LucíaTienes razón, no podemos evitar los desafíos.You're right, we cannot avoid the challenges.
- JavierExacto, hay que ser valientes y trabajar juntos.Exactly, we have to be brave and work together.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “tackle” translations and entries afrontar, abordar, emprender, atajar, acometer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries abordar, afrontar, atajar, emprender, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
