Face off Meaning in English

expression

US

UK

Definition

When two people or groups compete or confront each other directly, usually in a conflict, game, or challenge.

Usage & Nuances

Often used in sports, debates, or competitions to describe direct confrontation. Can be a noun ('a face-off between teams') or a verb ('they will face off tonight'). Informal and common in North American English.

• Spanish: enfrentarse - enfrentamiento
• Portuguese (BR): enfrentar-se - confronto
• Portuguese (PT): enfrentar-se - confronto
• Chinese (Simplified): 对峙 - 对决
• Chinese (Traditional): 對峙 - 對決
• Hindi: आमने-सामने होना - मुकाबला
• Arabic: يتواجه - مواجهة
• Bengali: মুখোমুখি হওয়া - প্রতিদ্বন্দ্বিতা করা
• Russian: сразиться - противостоять друг другу
• Japanese: 対決する - 向かい合う
• Vietnamese: đối đầu - chạm trán
• Korean: 맞대결하다 - 맞서다
• Turkish: karşı karşıya gelmek - kozlarını paylaşmak
• Urdu: آمنے سامنے ہونا - مقابلہ کرنا
• Indonesian: berhadapan - saling berhadapan

Example Sentences

The two teams will face off in the finals tomorrow.

basic

She had to face off against her best friend in the chess tournament.

basic

There was a tense face off between the two leaders.

basic

Fans can't wait to see these rivals face off on the court tonight.

natural

After weeks of arguing, the two sides finally agreed to a public face off.

natural

You could feel the tension in the room before the candidates faced off in the debate.

natural