Signification
To remind someone of a past mistake or favor in a reproachful way.
Contexte culturel
In Spain, 'echar en cara' is very common in heated discussions. Spaniards tend to be direct, and this phrase is used to call out someone for being 'ruin' (petty). In Mexico, the phrase is often used within the family structure. Mothers might use it to remind children of their sacrifices, often with a touch of 'chantaje emocional' (emotional blackmail). Argentines often use 'sacar en cara'. It fits into the highly verbal and argumentative (in a healthy or heated way) culture of Buenos Aires. In Colombia, 'echar en cara' is used but often softened with 'pues' or other fillers to reduce the directness of the attack.
Use it with 'lo'
If you don't want to repeat the mistake/favor, just use 'lo'. Example: 'No me lo eches en cara'.
Don't use 'la'
Saying 'echar en la cara' makes it sound like you are literally throwing a pie in someone's face.
Signification
To remind someone of a past mistake or favor in a reproachful way.
Use it with 'lo'
If you don't want to repeat the mistake/favor, just use 'lo'. Example: 'No me lo eches en cara'.
Don't use 'la'
Saying 'echar en la cara' makes it sound like you are literally throwing a pie in someone's face.
The 'Sacar' variant
If you are in Argentina or Chile, use 'sacar en cara' to sound more like a local.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct pronoun and verb form.
Si me ayudas, prometo que no ______ ______ ______ en cara después. (I won't throw it in your face)
You need the indirect object 'te' (to you) and the direct object 'lo' (it).
Which sentence is correct?
Select the natural Spanish sentence:
The standard idiom does not use 'la' before 'cara' and uses the pronoun 'me'.
Match the situation to the response.
Your friend reminds you that they paid for your coffee three months ago during an argument about a movie.
'Echar en cara' is the correct expression for reproaching a past favor.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ¿Por qué estás enfadada? B: Porque Juan siempre ______ ______ ______ que él tiene un trabajo mejor.
Speaker B is talking about what Juan does to her.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesSi me ayudas, prometo que no ______ ______ ______ en cara después. (I won't throw it in your face)
You need the indirect object 'te' (to you) and the direct object 'lo' (it).
Select the natural Spanish sentence:
The standard idiom does not use 'la' before 'cara' and uses the pronoun 'me'.
Your friend reminds you that they paid for your coffee three months ago during an argument about a movie.
'Echar en cara' is the correct expression for reproaching a past favor.
A: ¿Por qué estás enfadada? B: Porque Juan siempre ______ ______ ______ que él tiene un trabajo mejor.
Speaker B is talking about what Juan does to her.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsThe act of 'echando en cara' is generally considered rude or petty, but the phrase itself is just a description of that act. Using it to tell someone to stop is perfectly normal.
Probably not. It's too informal and associated with personal conflict. Use 'reprochar' or 'mencionar errores pasados' instead.
'Reprochar' is the formal verb. 'Echar en cara' is the idiomatic, everyday expression. They mean the same thing, but 'echar en cara' is much more common in conversation.
Yes, if you just say 'echar', it means 'to throw', 'to pour', or 'to fire' someone. The 'en cara' part is what gives it this specific meaning.
Expressions liées
Reprochar
synonymTo reproach or blame.
Refregar por la cara
specialized formTo rub in someone's face.
Dar la cara
contrastTo face the consequences / take responsibility.
Tener mucha cara
similarTo be shameless / have a lot of nerve.
