combate
“combate” means “fight” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
fight, battle
Also: struggle, bout
📝 In Action
El combate de boxeo terminó en el segundo asalto.
A2The boxing match ended in the second round.
La organización lidera el combate contra la pobreza infantil.
B1The organization leads the struggle against child poverty.
Hubo un breve combate entre las tropas enemigas.
B2There was a brief battle between the enemy troops.
fights, combats
Also: struggles
📝 In Action
Mi cuerpo combate la infección rápidamente.
A2My body fights the infection quickly.
El presidente combate la corrupción con nuevas leyes.
B1The president combats corruption with new laws.
¡Combate el fuego con agua!
B1Fight the fire with water! (Formal command)
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: combate
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'combate' as a noun?
📚 More Resources
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *combattere*, meaning 'to beat together' or 'to fight'. It was formed by combining *com-* (with/together) and *battuere* (to beat).
First recorded: Around the 13th century in Spanish.
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'combate' and 'batalla'?
'Combate' (fight) can refer to a small, specific confrontation (like a boxing match or a struggle against an idea), or the act of fighting itself. 'Batalla' (battle) is usually reserved for larger, often military, conflicts.
How do I know if 'combate' is a noun or a verb in a sentence?
If it has an article like 'el' or 'un' in front of it ('El combate'), it is the noun (the fight). If it follows a subject like 'él,' 'ella,' or 'usted' ('Él combate'), it is the verb (he/she/it fights).