discutir
/dis-koo-TEER/
discuss
Use "discutir" when you mean to discuss a topic, like planning a project or exchanging ideas.
discutir(Verb)
discuss
?to talk about a topic formally or informally
talk over
?reviewing something
,confer
?official meeting
📝 In Action
Discutiremos el nuevo presupuesto en la reunión de mañana.
A2We will discuss the new budget in tomorrow's meeting.
Es importante discutir los problemas antes de que crezcan.
B1It is important to discuss problems before they grow.
💡 Grammar Points
Direct Object Use
When 'discutir' means 'to discuss,' it usually takes the thing being discussed right after it, without a preposition: 'Discutimos la película' (We discussed the movie).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Don't confuse the verb
Mistake: "Using 'discutir' to mean 'to disgust' (which is 'disgustar')."
Correction: These are false friends! 'Discutir' is about talking or arguing; 'disgustar' is about causing distaste.
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal vs. Informal
In formal settings, 'discutir' is the best choice for 'to discuss.' In very informal contexts, you might use 'hablar de' (to talk about).
When used as 'to argue,' discutir describes a heated disagreement or conflict.
discutir(Verb)
argue
?to have a disagreement, often verbally heated
quarrel
?a petty fight
,dispute
?to challenge a statement or ruling
📝 In Action
No me gusta discutir con mi jefe.
A2I don't like to argue with my boss.
Están discutiendo por quién tiene que lavar los platos.
B1They are arguing over who has to wash the dishes.
El jugador discutió la decisión del árbitro.
B2The player disputed the referee's decision.
💡 Grammar Points
The Preposition 'Con'
When 'discutir' means 'to argue,' you MUST use the word 'con' (with) before the person you are arguing with: 'Discutió con su hermano' (He argued with his brother).
The Preposition 'Por'
To explain the reason for the argument, use 'por': 'Discutimos por dinero' (We argued over money).
⭐ Usage Tips
Context is Key
If you hear 'discutir con alguien,' it almost always means 'to argue' or 'to fight.' If you hear 'discutir algo,' it usually means 'to talk about' that thing (Definition 1).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: discutir
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'discutir' in the sense of 'to argue'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'discutir' means 'discuss' or 'argue'?
Context is everything! If the word 'con' (with) is used, as in 'discutir con mi hermana,' it means 'to argue.' If a topic or thing follows immediately, as in 'discutir el tema,' it means 'to talk about' or 'to discuss.'
Is 'discutir' a difficult verb to conjugate?
No, it is a completely regular -IR verb. Once you know the pattern for one regular -IR verb (like 'vivir'), you know how to conjugate 'discutir' in every tense.