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How to Say "arguing" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “arguing” is “discutiendo” — use 'discutiendo' when people are discussing or debating a topic, even if there are differing opinions, but it's not necessarily a heated fight..

English → Spanish

discutiendo

dis-koo-tee-EN-doh/dis.kuˈtjen.do/

GerundA2General
Use 'discutiendo' when people are discussing or debating a topic, even if there are differing opinions, but it's not necessarily a heated fight.
Two simple, colorful characters standing face to face, both looking frustrated and gesturing emphatically, visually representing an argument.

Examples

Están discutiendo el nuevo plan de estudios en la reunión.

They are discussing the new curriculum in the meeting.

Llevamos media hora discutiendo sobre quién tiene razón.

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

Ella me llamó discutiendo que la decisión era injusta.

She called me arguing that the decision was unfair.

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.

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.

peleando

peh-leh-AHN-doh/pe.leˈan.do/

Verb (Gerund)B1General
Use 'peleando' for a more intense verbal disagreement, implying a quarrel, fight, or heated argument between people.
Two adults standing face-to-face, pointing fingers at each other with angry and frustrated expressions, indicating a heated verbal argument.

Examples

Mis padres siempre están peleando por la televisión.

My parents are always arguing over the television.

Están peleando sobre quién tiene la culpa.

They are quarreling about who is to blame.

The Preposition 'Por'

When you are arguing 'over' or 'about' the reason for the argument, use the preposition 'por' (por el dinero, por el juguete).

Discutiendo vs. Peleando

Learners often confuse 'discutiendo' and 'peleando'. Remember that 'discutiendo' is for discussing or debating, which can involve disagreement but isn't necessarily aggressive. 'Peleando' implies a genuine fight or quarrel.

Related Translations

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