tu cara
/tu kaɾa/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'your face' is translated as tu cara.
The phrase refers to the front part of a person's head from the forehead to the chin.
Which one should you use?
Tu cara is the informal version used with friends, family or people younger than you, whereas su cara is the formal version.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Tu jeta is a colloquial way to say 'your face' and is commonly used in some regions, particularly in Spain.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use su cara instead of tu cara when addressing someone formally or showing respect. In Spain, use vuestra cara when addressing a group of people informally.
How do you pronounce it?
/tu kaɾa/
Did you know?
- While cara means 'face', the same word is also used in Spanish to mean 'expensive'.
- The colloquial term jeta is often used to describe a shameless person and originally referred to an animal's muzzle.
- The phrase cara de pocos amigos literally translates to 'face of few friends' and is used to describe someone who looks grumpy or unapproachable.
Examples in context
- Tu cara está sucia.Your face is dirty.This sentence uses tu cara to describe a state of cleanliness.Tatoeba #4999169 by don_ramon, translation #1635335 by Amastan
- No me gusta tu cara.I don't like your face.This sentence uses tu cara to express a lack of preference.Tatoeba #1323142 by hayastan, translation #10108739 by espamatics
- Tu cara está pálida.Your face is pale.This sentence uses tu cara to describe a physical appearance.Tatoeba #1914310 by marcelostockle, translation #1901851 by mathmad2008
- Le ruego que mantenga la seriedad en su rostro durante la reunión.I kindly ask that you maintain seriousness on your face during the meeting.
- No te preocupes, tu cara demuestra tu alegría.Don't worry, your face shows your happiness.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel is helping María remove a smudge of paint from her cheek.
- DanielTienes un poco de pintura en tu cara.You have a little bit of paint on your face.
- María¿En serio? ¿Dónde está?Really? Where is it?
- DanielAquí, justo en tu cara, en la mejilla.Here, right on your face, on the cheek.
- MaríaGracias por avisarme, Daniel.Thanks for letting me know, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
