pelear
/peh-leh-AHR/
to fight
Pelear can mean 'to fight' in the context of physical combat.
pelear(verb)
to fight
?physical combat
to scuffle
?minor physical conflict
,to brawl
?large or noisy fight
📝 In Action
Los niños empezaron a pelear por el juguete.
A2The children started to fight over the toy.
¿Viste la pelea? Fue muy rápida.
B1Did you see the fight? It was very quick.
Los boxeadores deben pelear en su peso.
B1Boxers must fight in their weight class.
💡 Grammar Points
Action vs. Result
Use the gerund 'peleando' to describe the continuous action of fighting: 'Están peleando ahora' (They are fighting right now).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing Action and Argument
Mistake: "Using 'pelear' when you mean 'to discuss'."
Correction: Use 'discutir' if the conflict is only about ideas or opinions; use 'pelear' only when the argument is intense, loud, or leads to physical conflict.
Pelear also means 'to argue' or engage in a verbal disagreement.
pelear(verb)
to argue
?verbal disagreement
,to quarrel
?having a serious fight with someone
to fall out
?stop being friends (usually pelearse)
📝 In Action
Mis padres siempre pelean por el dinero.
A2My parents always argue about money.
María y yo nos peleamos por un malentendido.
B1Maria and I quarreled (fought) over a misunderstanding. (Note: using 'nos peleamos' means 'we fought each other'.)
No quiero pelear contigo hoy, estoy cansado.
A2I don't want to argue with you today, I am tired.
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Pelearse'
When two or more people fight or argue with each other, use the reflexive form: 'Se pelearon' (They fought/argued). This emphasizes the reciprocal action.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Pelear vs. Discutir
Mistake: "Using 'pelear' when you simply mean 'to discuss a topic'."
Correction: 'Discutir' is for debating ideas, even heatedly. 'Pelear' is usually reserved for a mean, hostile argument or a physical fight. If you are just having a conversation, use 'discutir' or 'conversar'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Expressing Conflict Source
Use the preposition 'por' (for/about) to state the reason for the argument: 'Pelearon por política' (They argued about politics).
Pelear can mean 'to struggle' intensely for survival or a goal.
pelear(verb)
to struggle
?for survival or a goal
,to compete
?in a contest
to fight (for a cause)
?political or personal struggle
📝 In Action
Tenemos que pelear por nuestros derechos en el trabajo.
B1We have to fight for our rights at work.
Ella pelea contra la injusticia en su comunidad.
B2She struggles against injustice in her community.
El equipo va a pelear por el campeonato.
B1The team is going to compete for the championship.
💡 Grammar Points
Prepositions for Goals
When 'pelear' means to struggle for a goal, you will almost always use 'por' (for) or 'contra' (against): 'Peleamos por la libertad' (We struggle for freedom).
⭐ Usage Tips
Interchangeability with Luchar
'Luchar' and 'pelear' are often interchangeable in this context, but 'luchar' emphasizes the prolonged effort, while 'pelear' can suggest a more direct, immediate confrontation (even if figurative).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: pelear
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'pelear' in the sense of a prolonged, figurative struggle?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'pelear' and 'luchar'?
'Pelear' usually suggests a more intense, direct, or aggressive confrontation, often personal (a physical fight or a mean argument). 'Luchar' is broader; it means 'to struggle' or 'to wrestle' and often refers to continuous effort or organized fighting (like military combat or fighting for a political cause).
How do I say 'They fell out (stopped being friends)'?
You should use the reflexive form: 'Ellos se pelearon' (They had a fight/quarrel) or, more clearly, 'Ellos se pelearon y no se hablan' (They fell out and aren't speaking to each other).