Inklingo
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argumento

/ar-goo-MEN-toh/

plot

A colorful storybook illustration depicting a winding path that represents a narrative plot, starting at a small house and leading to a castle, symbolizing the beginning, middle, and end of a story.

In the context of a narrative, argumento means the plot or sequence of events.

argumento(noun)

mB1

plot

?

narrative structure

,

storyline

?

narrative structure

Also:

theme

?

central idea of a work

📝 In Action

El argumento de la novela era tan complejo que me perdí.

B1

The novel's plot was so complex that I got lost.

Necesito saber el argumento antes de ver la película.

A2

I need to know the storyline before watching the movie.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • trama (plot)
  • guion (script)

Common Collocations

  • desarrollar el argumento – to develop the plot
  • spoiler del argumento – plot spoiler

⭐ Usage Tips

Focus on Narrative

When used in the context of media (books, films), 'argumento' refers to the sequence of events and ideas that make up the story.

A storybook illustration showing two friendly cartoon figures standing across a table, calmly presenting their points. One figure gestures towards a balanced scale, and the other points to a set of stacked blocks, symbolizing reasons or evidence.

Argumento can also refer to an argument or a set of reasons used to support a viewpoint.

argumento(noun)

mB2

argument

?

a reason or set of reasons

,

reason

?

justification for a point of view

Also:

proof

?

evidence

📝 In Action

Presentó un argumento muy sólido a favor del cambio climático.

B2

He presented a very solid argument in favor of climate change.

Mi jefe no aceptó mis argumentos para llegar tarde.

B2

My boss did not accept my reasons for being late.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • razón (reason)
  • justificación (justification)

Antonyms

  • contradicción (contradiction)

Common Collocations

  • carecer de argumentos – to lack arguments/reasons
  • un argumento convincente – a convincing argument

❌ Common Pitfalls

Argumento vs. Discusión/Pelea

Mistake: "Using 'argumento' to mean a heated fight or dispute."

Correction: Use 'discusión' or 'pelea' for a verbal fight. 'Argumento' means the *point* or *reason* you are presenting, not the conflict itself.

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Language

This meaning of 'argumento' is slightly more formal than just saying 'razón' (reason). It implies a structured, logical point.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: argumento

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'argumento' to mean 'a reason for a point of view'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

argumentar(to argue, to reason) - verb
argumentativo(argumentative) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I tell if 'argumento' means 'plot' or 'reason'?

If you are talking about a book, movie, or TV show, it almost always means 'plot' or 'storyline.' If you are talking about politics, a debate, or trying to convince someone, it means 'reason' or 'justification.' Context is key!

Can 'argumento' be used for a fight?

No, not usually. If you want to talk about a verbal fight or dispute, use words like 'pelea' (fight) or 'discusión' (discussion/argument). 'Argumento' focuses only on the logical point you are trying to make.