Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Argue in Spanish: Discutir
Discutir · verb · dees-koo-TEER
The English verb 'argue' translates primarily to discutir in Spanish. Be aware that discutir can mean both 'to argue' (have a disagreement) and 'to discuss' (talk about), so context determines the tone. For a more heated argument, pelear is also used.
Pronounce discutir as dees-koo-TEER, stressing the final syllable.
No quiero discutir contigo sobre esto.
I don't want to argue with you about this.
Argue in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for argue, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| discutir | argue | dees-koo-TEER | Default, widely understood |
| pelear | argue | to fight or argue heatedly | |
| argumentar | argue | to argue a point or make an argument |
How Native Speakers Use Discutir
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Couple's disagreement
Mis padres discutieron sobre las vacaciones.
My parents argued about the vacation.
Describing a family disagreement.
Heated exchange
Los vecinos pelearon por el ruido de la música.
The neighbors argued about the noise from the music.
Reporting a neighbor dispute.
Formal debate
El abogado argumentó que la evidencia era insuficiente.
The lawyer argued that the evidence was insufficient.
Presenting a legal argument.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Discutir
False cognate: discutir as discuss
Incorrect: Discutimos el proyecto tranquilamente. (meaning we argued)
Correct: Hablamos sobre el proyecto tranquilamente.
Discutir can mean 'to discuss calmly' or 'to argue.' If you want to convey a calm discussion, hablar sobre or conversar may be clearer.
Using argüir for everyday arguing
Incorrect: Siempre argüimos por tonterías.
Correct: Siempre discutimos por tonterías.
Argüir is very formal and literary, meaning 'to reason' or 'to contend.' For everyday arguments, discutir or pelear is natural.
Lock in Argue 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 Discutir used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Argue in Spanish
- How do you say 'argue' in Spanish?
- The most common translation is discutir, which covers both arguing and discussing depending on context, while pelear is used for more intense arguments.
- Does discutir always mean 'to argue'?
- Discutir has a dual meaning in Spanish: it can mean to argue (have a conflict) or to discuss (talk about a topic), so tone and context clarify the intended meaning.
- What is the difference between discutir and pelear?
- Discutir implies a verbal disagreement or debate, while pelear suggests a more intense fight that can be verbal or even physical.