Inklingo
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conflicto

/kohn-FLEEK-toh/

conflict

Two simplified figures standing on opposite sides of a wide crack in the ground, facing each other with frowning expressions, symbolizing conflict or opposition.

This image illustrates 'conflicto' as a general disagreement or opposition, depicted by two figures separated by a physical divide.

conflicto(noun)

mA2

conflict

?

general disagreement or opposition

Also:

dispute

?

a formal argument, especially legal or labor-related

,

struggle

?

a difficult situation or contest

📝 In Action

El conflicto duró varias semanas antes de que llegaran a un acuerdo.

A2

The conflict lasted several weeks before they reached an agreement.

Hay un conflicto laboral entre la empresa y sus empleados.

B1

There is a labor dispute between the company and its employees.

El país evitó un conflicto armado gracias a la diplomacia.

B2

The country avoided an armed conflict thanks to diplomacy.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • disputa (dispute)
  • pelea (fight)
  • enfrentamiento (confrontation)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • resolver un conflicto – to resolve a conflict
  • zona de conflicto – conflict zone
  • conflicto de intereses – conflict of interest

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Reminder

Remember that 'conflicto' is always a masculine noun, so you must use 'el conflicto' or 'un conflicto'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Mixing up 'conflicto' and 'problema'

Mistake: "Using 'conflicto' when referring to a small, everyday glitch (like a computer problem)."

Correction: Use 'problema' for minor issues. 'Conflicto' usually implies strong opposition, confrontation, or a serious crisis.

⭐ Usage Tips

Strong Adjectives

Pair 'conflicto' with strong words like 'grave' (serious), 'serio' (serious), or 'armado' (armed) to emphasize its severity.

A simple cartoon figure sitting down and holding their head in frustration, with a bright sun on one side and a dark storm cloud on the other side of their head, symbolizing internal conflict.

An emotional or psychological struggle, or 'conflicto interno,' is shown by a figure overwhelmed by opposing thoughts symbolized by the sun and the cloud.

conflicto(noun)

mB1

internal conflict

?

emotional or psychological struggle

Also:

dilemma

?

a difficult choice

,

issue

?

a personal problem

📝 In Action

Sufre de un conflicto interno sobre si debe cambiar de carrera.

B1

He suffers from an internal conflict about whether he should change careers.

La novela explora el conflicto entre el deber y el deseo.

C1

The novel explores the conflict between duty and desire.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • dilema (dilemma)
  • lucha (struggle (internal))

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • conflicto emocional – emotional conflict
  • superar un conflicto – to overcome a conflict

💡 Grammar Points

Using 'tener'

You often use the verb 'tener' (to have) when talking about internal conflicts: 'Tengo un conflicto con esa idea' (I have an issue with that idea).

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Contexts

This meaning is common in academic or reflective writing. For simple personal problems, 'problema' is usually more common.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: conflicto

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'conflicto' in the sense of a large-scale, external struggle?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

conflictivo(conflictive / problematic) - adjective
conflictividad(propensity for conflict) - noun

Frequently Asked Questions

¿Es 'conflicto' siempre negativo?

Generalmente sí. 'Conflicto' describe una oposición o desacuerdo serio. Aunque a veces puede llevar a un cambio positivo, la palabra en sí misma implica dificultad o lucha.

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'conflicto' y 'problema'?

'Problema' es más general y se usa para cualquier dificultad, grande o pequeña (e.g., 'un problema de matemáticas'). 'Conflicto' casi siempre implica una confrontación entre personas, ideas, o fuerzas (e.g., 'un conflicto familiar').