luchar
“luchar” means “to fight” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to fight, to wrestle
Also: to scrap
📝 In Action
Los niños lucharon por el juguete, pero nadie resultó herido.
A2The children fought over the toy, but nobody was hurt.
El campeón de boxeo tendrá que luchar contra un oponente muy fuerte.
B1The boxing champion will have to fight against a very strong opponent.
to struggle, to strive, to campaign
Also: to battle
📝 In Action
Mi abuela luchó toda su vida por la igualdad de las mujeres.
B1My grandmother struggled/campaigned her entire life for women's equality.
Luchamos contra la corrupción en el gobierno.
B2We are fighting against corruption in the government.
Tienes que luchar por tus sueños.
B1You have to strive/fight for your dreams.
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
🔀 Commonly Confused With
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "luchar" in Spanish:
to battle→to campaign→to fight→to scrap→to strive→to struggle→to wrestle→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: luchar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'luchar' in its figurative meaning (to strive or campaign)?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Old Spanish verb 'luchar,' which itself likely comes from a Germanic root, possibly related to 'lock' or 'clinch,' emphasizing the action of grappling or grabbing during a fight.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'luchar' y 'pelear'?
'Luchar' often implies a serious or organized struggle, whether physical (wrestling) or figurative (fighting for a cause). 'Pelear' is usually used for less formal disputes, quarrels, or brief fights (like two people having a heated argument or a small fistfight).
Does 'luchar' need a special verb form (subjunctive) in common sentences?
Not usually. 'Luchar' itself is an action, and you usually use it in the regular indicative form: 'Yo lucho' (I fight). It would only trigger a special form on a *second* verb if you said something like 'Es necesario que [alguien] luche' (It is necessary that [someone] fights).