disputar
“disputar” means “to compete for” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to compete for
Also: to play
📝 In Action
Los dos equipos van a disputar la final el domingo.
A2The two teams are going to play the final on Sunday.
Muchos candidatos disputan el puesto de director.
B1Many candidates are competing for the position of director.
El ciclista disputó el liderato hasta el último kilómetro.
B2The cyclist fought for the lead until the last kilometer.
to argue
Also: to contest
📝 In Action
No quiero disputar tus motivos, pero no estoy de acuerdo.
B2I don't want to argue about your motives, but I don't agree.
Los herederos disputaron el testamento ante el juez.
C1The heirs contested the will before the judge.
Disputaron durante horas sobre política.
B2They argued for hours about politics.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "disputar" in Spanish:
to contest→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: disputar
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence uses 'disputar' in a sports context?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From Latin 'disputare', which combines 'dis-' (apart/different directions) and 'putare' (to think or to prune). Originally meant to weigh up or examine a matter from different sides.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'disputar' the same as 'discutir'?
Not quite. 'Discutir' is for verbal arguments or discussions. 'Disputar' usually involves a competition for a prize, a physical struggle, or a formal legal challenge.
Can I use 'disputar' for a friendly game?
It's better to use 'jugar' for friendly games. 'Disputar' sounds more serious, like a professional match or an official competition.
Is 'disputar' a regular verb?
Yes! It follows the standard rules for all verbs ending in -ar, with no stem changes.