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Two simple, colorful characters standing face to face, both looking frustrated and gesturing emphatically, visually representing an argument.

discutiendo

dis-koo-tee-EN-doh

GerundA2regular ir
arguing?engaging in a disagreement,discussing?talking about a topic
Also:debating?formally discussing a subject

Quick Reference

infinitivediscutir
gerunddiscutiendo
past Participlediscutido

📝 In Action

Están discutiendo el nuevo plan de estudios en la reunión.

A2

They are discussing the new curriculum in the meeting.

Llevamos media hora discutiendo sobre quién tiene razón.

B1

We've been arguing for half an hour about who is right.

Ella me llamó discutiendo que la decisión era injusta.

B2

She called me arguing that the decision was unfair.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • argumentando (arguing)
  • debatiendo (debating)
  • conversando (conversing (less intense))

Antonyms

  • aceptando (accepting)
  • callando (keeping quiet)

Common Collocations

  • estar discutiendo – to be arguing/discussing (right now)
  • seguir discutiendo – to keep arguing/discussing

💡 Grammar Points

Use with 'Estar' (Continuous Action)

You combine 'discutiendo' with a form of the verb 'estar' (to be) to show that the arguing or discussing is happening right now: 'Estamos discutiendo' (We are arguing).

Action vs. State

The '-ndo' ending shows an action in progress, like the '-ing' in English. It focuses on the process, not the result.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Gerund and Infinitive

Mistake: "Using 'Estamos discutir' instead of 'Estamos discutiendo'."

Correction: Always use the '-ndo' form ('discutiendo') after 'estar' to talk about what is currently happening.

Choosing the Wrong Verb for 'To Discuss'

Mistake: "Using 'estar hablando sobre' instead of 'estar discutiendo' when the conversation involves disagreement."

Correction: Use 'discutir' when the conversation is a debate or argument; use 'hablar' for general conversation.

⭐ Usage Tips

Attaching Pronouns

You can attach small words (pronouns) like 'me' or 'lo' directly to the end of 'discutiendo': 'Están discutiéndolo' (They are discussing it). Remember to keep the stress on the 'e' of '-iendo'!

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: discutiendo

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'discutiendo' to describe an ongoing action?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

discutir(to discuss, to argue) - verb
la discusión(the discussion, the argument) - noun
discutible(debatable) - adjective

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'discutiendo' always about arguing?

Not always! While it frequently means 'arguing' or 'quarreling,' it can also simply mean 'discussing' or 'debating' a subject, especially in formal or academic contexts. Context is key.

How do I make the continuous tense with 'discutiendo'?

You need the verb 'estar' (to be) plus 'discutiendo.' For example, 'I am discussing' is 'Yo estoy discutiendo.' This structure tells you the action is in progress.