What does cara in Spanish mean?

What is the meaning of the word cara in Spanish? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use cara in Spanish.

The word cara in Spanish means face, front, obverse, look, cheek, nerve, shameless, boor, oaf, clod, face, expensive, at a high price, dear, valuable, what a nerve!, double-sided, keep a stiff upper lip, keep your chin up, turn your face away, forward-facing seat, show your face, hang your head in shame, face to face, face to face, frankly, openly, sharp face, face of an angel, face, face of disgust, look of surprise, look of amazement, guilty look, mean face, innocent look, grim face, grim look, frightened look, scared look, end paper, front end paper, long face, coin flip, flip of a coin, round face, with a positive attitude, with the face of, with a look like, mournful look, cost an arm and a leg, slap 's face, slam the door in 's face, face the consequences, accept the consequences, facing , facing, with regard to, say it to my face, tell me to my face, throw in 's face, screw up your face, your face gives you away, your face betrays you, the eyes are the mirror of the soul, the face is a mirror of the soul, the other side of the story, the other side of the coin, poverty has the face of, paint job, nobody can be trusted, you can't trust anyone, scot-free, give your best, how insolent you are, how impudent you are, facial features, look, have a pale face, look bad, have on your face, work directly with the public, take for a fool, play for a fool, take for a fool, play for a fool, come face to face with, turn around, turn your back on, look the other way, turn a blind eye, turn your face, look the other way, turn your face, look the other way. To learn more, please see the details below.

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Meaning of the word cara

face

nombre femenino (rostro, parte de la cabeza) (front part of human head)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Los ojos están en la cara.

The eyes are on the face.

front, obverse

nombre femenino (anverso de una moneda) (the obverse of a coin)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

En la cara de las monedas de mi país aparece el rey.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. The monarch's head appears on the front of all British coins.

look

nombre femenino (aspecto, apariencia) (have good/bad appearance)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

Mi hijo ya tiene buena cara, aunque ha estado 5 días enfermo.

My son looks better, even though he's been ill for five days.

cheek, nerve

nombre femenino (coloquial (desfachatez) (shamelessness)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

¡Hay que tener cara para irse sin pagar!

It takes real nerve to leave without paying!

shameless

adjetivo de una sola terminación (coloquial (caradura, sinvergüenza)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Pablo es un viejo cara que se aprovecha de la gente.

Pablo is a shameless old man who takes advantage of people.

boor, oaf, clod

nombre común en cuanto al género (coloquial (persona sinvergüenza)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Manuel es un cara: ¡cómo se atreve a decirle eso al jefe!

Manuel is a boor (or: clod): He's got a cheek saying say that to the boss!

face

nombre femenino (geometría: lado de poliedro) (plane surface of a polyhedron)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Cada cara de un poliedro es un polígono.

Each face of a polyhedron is a polygon.

expensive

adjetivo (de mucho precio)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Es un juguete caro, no se lo compres a tu hijo.

It's an expensive toy; don't buy it for your son.

at a high price

adverbio (de mucho precio)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

En esos almacenes venden todo muy caro.

Everything is sold at a high price in those department stores.

dear, valuable

adjetivo (culto (querido)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Ese jarrón me es caro, si lo rompes te mato.

This vase is dear to me - if you break it I'll kill you.

what a nerve!

expresión (ofensivo (crítica por descaro) (US)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

double-sided

locución adverbial (ambas caras de una hoja)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Imprimimos a doble cara para ahorrar papel.

We print double-sided to save on paper.

keep a stiff upper lip, keep your chin up

expresión (positividad ante adversidad)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Cuando mi padre enfermó, nunca perdió su optimismo y repetía constantemente: «al mal tiempo buena cara».

When my father fell ill he never lost his optimism and constantly repeated "keep your chin up".

turn your face away

locución verbal (esquivar un beso)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Quise darle un beso pero él apartó la cara.

I wanted to give him a kiss but he turned his face away.

forward-facing seat

(en el sentido de la marcha)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Vamos a instalar un asiento cara a la marcha en el auto para nuestro hijo.

We're going to put a forward-facing seat in the car for our son.

show your face

locución verbal (aparecer)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

hang your head in shame

locución verbal (estar muy avergonzado)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

A Juan se le cayó la cara de vergüenza cuando vio que tenía el pantalón desabrochado.

John hung his head in shame when he saw his trousers were unbuttoned.

face to face

locución adverbial (literal (uno frente al otro)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Debemos hablar de esto cara a cara y no por teléfono.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. Don't attempt to go behind the building unless the guards are facing each other.

face to face

locución adverbial (figurado (enfrente de algo)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Se encontró cara a cara con la muerte durante el accidente.

He came face to face with death in the accident.

frankly, openly

locución adverbial (francamente)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

Si quieres solucionar los problemas que tienes con tu padre, deberás hablar cara a cara con él y decirle lo que piensas.

If you want to solve the problems that you have with your father, you must speak face to face with him and tell him what you think.

sharp face

(rostro fino)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Sara es una hermosa mujer de cara afilada.

Sara is a beautiful woman with a sharp face.

face of an angel

locución nominal femenina (rostro inocente)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

La niña tiene cara de ángel pero es bastante traviesa.

The little girl has the face of an angel but she's quite a rascal.

face, face of disgust

locución nominal femenina (gesto de repulsión)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

El niño puso cara de asco cuando vio la verdura en el plato.

The boy pulled a face when he saw the vegetables on his plate.

look of surprise, look of amazement

locución nominal femenina (gesto de sorpresa)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Deberías haber visto su cara de asombro al oír la noticia.

guilty look

locución nominal femenina (parecer culpable)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

¿Por qué tienes cara de culpabilidad? ¿Qué hiciste ahora?

Why do you have such a guilty look? What did you do now?

mean face

locución nominal femenina (gesto avieso)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Horacio tiene cara de malo pero en realidad es muy buena persona.

Horacio has a mean face but he's really a nice guy.

innocent look

locución nominal con flexión de género (expresión inocente)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

grim face, grim look

locución nominal femenina (gesto adusto)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Pedro llegó a la oficina con cara de pocos amigos y decidimos no hablarle.

Pedro arrived at the office with a grim face and we decided not to talk to him.

frightened look, scared look

locución nominal femenina (gesto de miedo)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

La niña entró a la dirección con cara de susto.

The girl entered the office with a frightened look.

end paper, front end paper

(parte interior) (book)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Los agradecimientos están en la cara interna del libro.

Acknowledgements are usually found on the end paper of a book.

long face

locución nominal femenina (coloquial (gesto de pena)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

¿Qué es esa cara larga Juan, qué pasó?

What's with the long face, Juan? What happened?

coin flip, flip of a coin

locución nominal femenina (juego con monedas)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Dejémoslo a cara o cruz y que decidan las monedas.

Let's leave it to a coin flip and let the coin decide.

round face

(rostro circular)

Axel tiene la cara redonda.

Axel has a round face.

with a positive attitude

locución adverbial (con optimismo)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

A pesar de las dificultades, Ana enfrenta su trabajo con buena cara.

Despite the difficulties, Ana confronted her work with a positive attitude.

with the face of, with a look like

locución adverbial (expresión facial)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

mournful look

locución adverbial (coloquial (gesto: triste)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Lucas llegó con cara de funeral pero no quiso contar qué le pasaba.

Lucas turned up with a mournful look but didn't want to say what was wrong with him.

cost an arm and a leg

locución verbal (coloquial (ser costoso) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Todo en ese restaurante cuesta un ojo de la cara.

Everything in this restaurant costs an arm and a leg.

slap 's face

locución verbal (abofetear a alguien)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

slam the door in 's face

locución verbal (coloquial (rechazar de plano algo) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Me dio con la puerta en las narices cuando le dije que fuéramos a Francia este verano.

face the consequences, accept the consequences

locución verbal (responsabilizarse)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Si hiciste algo mal tienes que dar la cara.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. We have to face the music and apologise.

facing , facing

locución adverbial (de frente)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Este balcón está muy fresco porque le da el viento de cara.

This balcony is very chilly because it is facing the wind.

with regard to

locución preposicional (con respecto a)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

El alcalde prometió tomar medidas de cara a la delincuencia en la ciudad.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. As regards the morning's memo, the new policy will take effect immediately.

say it to my face, tell me to my face

expresión (atrévete a decírmelo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Si tienes algo que decirme dímelo en la cara.

If you have something to say, say it to my face.

throw in 's face

locución verbal (coloquial (reprochar algo a alguien)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Juan le echó en cara a su esposa muchas cosas del pasado.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. I know I've made mistakes but you don't need to throw it in my face every minute.

screw up your face

locución verbal (CR, coloquial (disgusto, contrariedad)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Cuando le digas lo que hiciste hará la cara en tres picos.

your face gives you away, your face betrays you

expresión (evidenciar emociones)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

the eyes are the mirror of the soul, the face is a mirror of the soul

expresión (reflejo de emociones)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Una madre sabe cómo se sienten sus hijos con solo mirarlos porque la cara es el espejo del alma.

A mother knows how her children feel just by looking at them because the face is a mirror of the soul.

the other side of the story

locución nominal femenina (figurado (aspecto opuesto)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Debemos analizar también la otra cara de la moneda.

We should have a look at the other side of the story too.

the other side of the coin

locución nominal femenina (figurado (efecto opuesto)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Es un buen medicamento, pero la otra cara de la moneda es la acidez que provoca.

It's a good drug, but the other side of the coin is the heartburn it causes.

poverty has the face of

expresión (la pobreza afecta a)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

En este país la pobreza tiene cara de niño.

In this country, poverty has the face of a child.

paint job

locución nominal masculina (coloquial, figurado (mejora superficial)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Le hicieron a la casa un lavado de cara para poderla vender.

They gave the house a paint job in order to sell it.

nobody can be trusted, you can't trust anyone

expresión (CR (expresa indignación)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Mi amigo divulgó mis secretos, ¡no hay cara en que confesarse!

scot-free

locución adverbial (coloquial (sin pagar, gratis)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

give your best

locución verbal (dar la mejor imagen)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

El candidato presentó la mejor cara que pudo antes de las elecciones.

The candidate gave his best in the lead-up to the elections.

how insolent you are, how impudent you are

locución interjectiva (que poca vergüenza)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

¡Qué cara tienes! ¿Cómo vas a decirle eso al jefe?

You are so shameless! How are you going to tell that to the boss?

facial features

(facciones)

(plural noun: Noun always used in plural form--for example, "jeans," "scissors.")

look

locución verbal (dar impresión de)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

Horacio tiene cara de enojado, ¿qué habrá pasado?

Horacio looks angry. What could have happened?

have a pale face

locución verbal (informal (estar pálido)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Creo que Ana está enferma: tiene la cara blanca y siente escalofríos.

look bad

locución verbal (tener mal aspecto)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

A Diana no le gusta el nuevo novio de su hija y dice que tiene mala cara.

Diana doesn't like her daughter's new boyfriend and says he looks bad.

have on your face

expresión (coloquial (queja por mirada intensa)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

¿Qué me ves? ¿Tengo monos en la cara o qué?

work directly with the public

locución verbal (atender clientes)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Trabajar cara al público puede ser agotador.

Working directly with the public can be exhausting.

take for a fool, play for a fool

locución verbal (coloquial (ver a alguien)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

take for a fool, play for a fool

locución verbal (engañar, burlar)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

El tipo del almacén me vio la cara de idiota: me vendió un aparato defectuoso.

come face to face with

locución verbal (estar frente a)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Pedro se vio cara a cara con su hija después de muchos años.

Pedro came face to face with his daughter after many years.

turn around

locución verbal (girar la cabeza)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Martín volteó la cara para ver quién lo llamaba.

Martin turned around to see who was calling out to him.

turn your back on

locución verbal (figurado (dar la espalda)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Laura volteó la cara y no me prestó atención.

Laura turned her back on me and ignored me.

look the other way, turn a blind eye

locución verbal (figurado (ver para otro lado) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Ana volteó la cara cuando traté de hablar con ella.

Anna looked the other way when I tried to talk to her.

turn your face

locución verbal (girar la cabeza)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

look the other way

locución verbal (figurado (ver para otro lado)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

turn your face

locución verbal (girar la cabeza)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

look the other way

locución verbal (figurado (ver para otro lado)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

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