discurrir
“discurrir” means “to flow” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to flow, to pass
Also: to run
📝 In Action
El agua discurre mansamente por el arroyo.
B1The water flows gently through the stream.
Las horas discurrieron sin que nos diéramos cuenta.
B2The hours passed by without us noticing.
La vida discurre tranquila en este pueblo.
C1Life passes by quietly in this town.
to devise, to reason
Also: to think up
📝 In Action
Tuvo que discurrir un plan para escapar.
B2He had to devise a plan to escape.
Déjame discurrir un poco antes de decidir.
C1Let me think/reason for a bit before deciding.
Es capaz de discurrir soluciones brillantes.
C1He is capable of coming up with brilliant solutions.
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: discurrir
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses 'discurrir' to mean 'to flow'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'discurrere', meaning 'to run in different directions'. It combines 'dis-' (apart/in different ways) and 'currere' (to run). Over time, it evolved from physical running to the 'flow' of water and thoughts.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'discurrir' the same as 'pensar'?
Not exactly. 'Pensar' is general 'to think'. 'Discurrir' implies a deeper level of reasoning or trying to find a clever solution.
Can I use it for 'to flow' in any context?
It is best for liquids following a path (like a stream) or time passing. For a faucet, 'salir' or 'correr' is more common.
Does it have a negative meaning?
No, it's generally neutral or positive, associated with intellectual skill or the natural flow of life.