enfoque
nounCEFR B2
What does “enfoque” mean in English?
perspective, approach
perspective, approach (the intellectual lens or framework applied to a problem; el enfoque que se adopta)
Example sentences
El informe adopta un enfoque excesivamente técnico que ignora las dimensiones humanas del problema.
The report adopts an excessively technical approach that ignores the human dimensions of the problem.
Para entender este fenómeno, necesitamos un enfoque interdisciplinar que combine la economía, la sociología y la psicología.
To understand this phenomenon, we need an interdisciplinary approach that combines economics, sociology and psychology.
El problema con ese enfoque es que parte de una premisa que no todos compartirían.
The problem with that approach is that it starts from a premise not everyone would share.
How to use it
Enfoque (noun, masculine) is the B2 equivalent of 'approach', 'perspective', or 'angle' in academic and debate contexts. El enfoque que se adopta defines the intellectual stance or methodology of an argument. Common collocations: un enfoque crítico/amplio/reduccionista; adoptar un enfoque; cambiar de enfoque. Don't confuse with perspectiva (more visual/spatial) or postura (stance, side taken). Enfoque comes from enfocar (to focus, from óptica/photography), so it always implies a lens being applied to something.
Common mistake
English 'approach' maps to both enfoque and abordar (the verb). Un enfoque is the intellectual angle or framework; abordar un problema is to tackle or approach it as a verb. Don't use enfoque to translate 'I approached the subject' — that is 'abordé el tema'. Also: enfoque is always masculine (el enfoque), never *la enfoque.