Meaning
To accept responsibility and face the consequences of one's actions.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'dar la cara' is often associated with 'valentía' (bravery). It is highly respected in the workplace. If a subordinate 'da la cara' for a mistake, a good boss will often be more lenient because of the honesty shown. In Mexico, the phrase is frequently used in the context of family and social loyalty. 'Dar la cara por la familia' is a strong cultural expectation, meaning you protect your family's reputation at all costs. In Argentina, 'dar la cara' is often used in political and social protests. Protesters often demand that leaders 'den la cara' to explain unpopular decisions or economic crises. Unlike some cultures where admitting a mistake is seen as a total loss of face, in Hispanic business culture, 'dar la cara' is seen as a way to *save* one's professional reputation through transparency.
Use with 'ante'
When you are facing a person or an authority, use the preposition 'ante' (e.g., dar la cara ante el juez).
Don't roll the R
In 'cara', the 'r' is a single tap. If you roll it ('carra'), it sounds like a different, non-existent word.
Meaning
To accept responsibility and face the consequences of one's actions.
Use with 'ante'
When you are facing a person or an authority, use the preposition 'ante' (e.g., dar la cara ante el juez).
Don't roll the R
In 'cara', the 'r' is a single tap. If you roll it ('carra'), it sounds like a different, non-existent word.
The 'Por' distinction
Remember: 'Dar la cara POR alguien' = to defend them. 'Dar la cara POR un error' = to take blame for it.
Honor matters
In Spanish-speaking cultures, saying someone 'no da la cara' is a significant insult to their character.
Test Yourself
Completa la frase con la forma correcta del verbo 'dar'.
Ayer, mi jefe cometió un error, pero no ________ la cara ante el cliente.
We need the third person singular in the preterite (past) tense because it happened 'ayer' (yesterday).
¿Qué significa 'dar la cara por alguien'?
Si yo doy la cara por mi amigo, ¿qué estoy haciendo?
'Dar la cara por alguien' means to stand up for or defend someone.
Elige la respuesta más natural.
Persona A: '¿Vas a decirle a Laura que perdiste su libro?' Persona B: '_________________'
This is the only response that correctly uses the idiom to mean taking responsibility.
Empareja la situación con la frase.
Situación: Un político admite que su ley fue un fracaso.
Admitting a failure is a classic case of 'dar la cara'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Dar la cara vs. Dar la espalda
Practice Bank
4 exercisesAyer, mi jefe cometió un error, pero no ________ la cara ante el cliente.
We need the third person singular in the preterite (past) tense because it happened 'ayer' (yesterday).
Si yo doy la cara por mi amigo, ¿qué estoy haciendo?
'Dar la cara por alguien' means to stand up for or defend someone.
Persona A: '¿Vas a decirle a Laura que perdiste su libro?' Persona B: '_________________'
This is the only response that correctly uses the idiom to mean taking responsibility.
Situación: Un político admite que su ley fue un fracaso.
Admitting a failure is a classic case of 'dar la cara'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsIt is neutral and can be used in both formal (business, news) and informal (friends, family) contexts.
Generally no. It implies facing something difficult, a mistake, or a conflict.
'Afrontar' is more general (to face a problem). 'Dar la cara' specifically implies personal accountability and visibility.
It is always 'dar la cara'. The article 'la' is mandatory.
No, the possessive is not used. It's always 'la cara', even if it's your own face.
Use 'dar la cara por alguien'. Example: 'Doy la cara por ti'.
The most common opposites are 'esconderse' (to hide) or 'dar la espalda' (to turn one's back).
Yes, it is universally understood across Spain and Latin America.
Yes! Saying 'Siempre doy la cara por mis errores' shows great character to an interviewer.
Yes, 'dar' is irregular in many tenses, so be sure to check the conjugation table for 'yo doy', 'él dio', etc.
Very similar, but 'face the music' often implies accepting punishment, while 'dar la cara' focuses more on the act of not hiding.
Literally, it could mean showing your face, but 99% of the time it is used idiomatically.
Idioms are fixed phrases. 'Cara' is the traditional word used in this specific expression.
Extremely common. You will hear it in movies, songs, and daily life.
Related Phrases
Dar la espalda
contrastTo ignore or abandon someone/something.
Dar la nota
similarTo make a scene or attract negative attention.
Poner la cara
synonymTo take responsibility.
Dar el pecho
builds onTo face a situation with great courage.
Dar la cara por alguien
specialized formTo defend someone.
