Meaning
To confront or deal with a difficult situation or challenge.
Cultural Background
In French politics, 'faire face' is a keyword for presidential strength. It implies the leader is the 'captain of the ship' during a storm. Usage is identical to France, but you might also hear 'dealer avec' in very informal, anglicized contexts, though 'faire face à' remains the standard for writing. In Francophone Africa, the phrase is often used in the context of community resilience and 'solidarité' when facing social challenges. Often used in the context of direct democracy and facing the results of a 'votation' (referendum).
The 'à' Rule
Always check the word following 'à'. If it's masculine singular, it becomes 'au'. If it's plural, it becomes 'aux'.
Don't over-dramatize
Don't use it for small things like 'facing a sandwich'. It sounds like you're about to fight the sandwich.
Meaning
To confront or deal with a difficult situation or challenge.
The 'à' Rule
Always check the word following 'à'. If it's masculine singular, it becomes 'au'. If it's plural, it becomes 'aux'.
Don't over-dramatize
Don't use it for small things like 'facing a sandwich'. It sounds like you're about to fight the sandwich.
Professionalism
Use this in job interviews to sound like a problem-solver. It's a high-value 'power phrase'.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'faire face à'.
L'année dernière, nous ________ (passé composé) une crise majeure.
The subject is 'nous' and the time is 'l'année dernière', so we need the passé composé.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct option:
The phrase always requires the verb 'faire' and the preposition 'à'.
Match the sentence to the context.
1. La fenêtre fait face au sud. 2. Il fait face à ses dettes.
Facing south is physical; facing debts is financial.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesL'année dernière, nous ________ (passé composé) une crise majeure.
The subject is 'nous' and the time is 'l'année dernière', so we need the passé composé.
Choose the correct option:
The phrase always requires the verb 'faire' and the preposition 'à'.
1. La fenêtre fait face au sud. 2. Il fait face à ses dettes.
Facing south is physical; facing debts is financial.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, that is a common mistake. It is always 'faire face à'.
Mostly, but 'affronter' is more active and aggressive. 'Faire face' is more about standing firm.
Yes! 'L'immeuble fait face à la mer' is perfectly natural.
You use the noun 'un face-à-face'.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your friends.
J'ai fait face à...
Yes, 'faire face à quelqu'un' means to confront someone.
'Gérer' is 'to manage'. 'Faire face' is more about the initial confrontation/acceptance of the problem.
'Fuir' (to flee) or 'se détourner de' (to turn away from).
No, it is an active construction.
Related Phrases
Affronter
synonymTo confront directly
Faire front
similarTo stand together against an enemy
S'opposer à
contrastTo oppose
Relever le défi
builds onTo take up the challenge
Tenir tête à
similarTo stand up to someone
