How do you say “Face the music” in Spanish?
The closest natural Spanish equivalent is Afrontar las consecuencias, which literally means “To face the consequences”. English speakers use face the music to mean to accept the unpleasant results, punishment, or criticism for your actions. A natural equivalent for accepting the results of your actions. Context should show that the consequences are unpleasant. Register: neutral, informal. Usage frequency: common.
Closest natural Spanish
Afrontar las consecuencias
/afɾonˈtaɾ las konseˈkwensjas/
- Literal meaning
- “To face the consequences”
- Register
- neutral, informal
- How often it's used
- common
- Equivalence
Near-exact equivalent
94 out of 100
What a native Spanish speaker would actually say
English meets an ominous piece of music. Spanish names the consequences directly.
The Spanish is less playful and works easily in formal settings. “Dar la cara” is more conversational when the focus is on facing the people you let down.
How close is the meaning?
- Meaning5 out of 5
- Tone4 out of 5
- Context5 out of 5
- Literal similarity1 out of 5
These ratings are editorial approximations, not measurements.
What are other ways to say it in Spanish?
Dar la cara
Literally: “To give the face”
Emphasises showing up and accepting responsibility instead of hiding.
Asumir la responsabilidad
Literally: “To assume the responsibility”
More formal and explicitly about accountability.
Common translation traps
Enfrentarse a la música
The music image does not express accepting punishment or criticism in Spanish.
The notes above explain why these versions do not work in this context in Spanish.
In context
English
I made the mistake, so I must face the music.
Spanish
Yo cometí el error, así que debo afrontar las consecuencias.
English
He finally went to see his boss and face the music.
Spanish
Por fin fue a ver a su jefe y a afrontar las consecuencias.
Related expressions
Last updated 2026-09-13