Spanish vocabulary · Intermediate
How to Say Challenge in Spanish: Desafío or Reto
Desafío · noun (masculine) · deh-sah-FEE-oh
Challenge in Spanish is desafío or reto, both masculine nouns meaning a difficult task or dare that tests one's abilities.
Desafío is deh-sah-FEE-oh, with the stress on the third syllable.
Aprender un idioma nuevo es un gran desafío.
Learning a new language is a great challenge.
Challenge in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for challenge, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| desafío | challenge | deh-sah-FEE-oh | Default, widely understood |
| reto | challenge | universal | |
| desafiar | challenge | verb form |
How Native Speakers Use Desafío
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Personal growth
Acepto el reto de correr un maratón este año.
I accept the challenge of running a marathon this year.
Reto is more casual and sporty.
Professional challenge
El mayor desafío del proyecto es cumplir con los plazos.
The biggest challenge of the project is meeting the deadlines.
Workplace context.
Social media challenge
Mi hermana me retó a no usar el teléfono por un día.
My sister challenged me to not use my phone for a day.
Verb retar means to challenge someone.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Desafío
Using challenge as a Spanish word
Incorrect: Es un gran challenge.
Correct: Es un gran desafío.
Challenge is not a Spanish word; use desafío or reto.
Confusing desafío with desafinar
Incorrect: Ese desafinar es difícil.
Correct: Ese desafío es difícil.
Desafiar means to challenge, while desafinar means to sing off-key—very different words.
Lock in Challenge Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Desafío used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using desafío in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Aprender un idioma nuevo es un gran desafío. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Challenge in Spanish
- How do you say challenge in Spanish?
- The two main options are desafío (slightly more formal) and reto (more casual and widely used in everyday conversation), both meaning a test or dare.
- What is the difference between desafío and reto?
- Both are interchangeable in most contexts, though desafío sounds slightly more elevated or literary, while reto is punchier and more common in social media and sports.
- How do you say to challenge someone in Spanish?
- The verbs are desafiar or retar, as in te reto a hacerlo (I challenge you to do it).