Inklingo

How to Say "argument" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “argument” is “discusión” — use this word for a heated or informal disagreement between people, like a quarrel or a spat.

discusiónA2

Use this word for a heated or informal disagreement between people, like a quarrel or a spat.

Learn more →
debate🔊A1

Choose this word for a formal, structured discussion or public debate, often on political or social issues.

Learn more →
argumento🔊B2

Use this word when referring to a specific reason or set of reasons given to support a claim or point of view.

Learn more →
razonamiento🔊B2

This word refers to the process of thinking logically or the explanation of that process, often to persuade someone.

Learn more →
pelea🔊A2

Use this word for a more intense, often physical or very heated verbal disagreement, similar to a 'fight'.

Learn more →
tesis🔊C1

This word translates 'argument' when it refers to a main point, theory, or proposition being put forward, especially in academic contexts.

Learn more →
discurso🔊C1

Use this word for a prolonged line of reasoning, a narrative, or a way of thinking within a larger context, like in media or politics.

Learn more →
English → Spanish

discusión

nounA2informal
Use this word for a heated or informal disagreement between people, like a quarrel or a spat.

Examples

Tuvieron una discusión fuerte sobre quién lavaría los platos.

They had a strong argument about who would wash the dishes.

debate

deh-BAH-tehdeˈbate

nounA1formal
Choose this word for a formal, structured discussion or public debate, often on political or social issues.
Illustration of two stylized people sitting at a table, gesturing emphatically while engaged in a serious discussion.

Examples

El debate presidencial duró dos horas sin interrupciones.

The presidential debate lasted two hours without interruptions.

Abrimos un debate sobre la mejor forma de aprender español.

We opened a discussion about the best way to learn Spanish.

Gender Reminder

Even though 'debate' ends in -e, it is masculine: 'el debate'. Most words ending in -e can be masculine or feminine, so you must memorize the gender.

Using 'la debate'

Mistake: “La debate fue muy interesante.”

Correction: El debate fue muy interesante. (Remember to use the masculine article 'el'.)

argumento

ar-goo-MEN-tohaɾɣuˈmento

nounB2
Use this word when referring to a specific reason or set of reasons given to support a claim or point of view.
A storybook illustration showing two friendly cartoon figures standing across a table, calmly presenting their points. One figure gestures towards a balanced scale, and the other points to a set of stacked blocks, symbolizing reasons or evidence.

Examples

Presentó un argumento muy sólido a favor del cambio climático.

He presented a very solid argument in favor of climate change.

Mi jefe no aceptó mis argumentos para llegar tarde.

My boss did not accept my reasons for being late.

Argumento vs. Discusión/Pelea

Mistake: “Using 'argumento' to mean a heated fight or dispute.”

Correction: Use 'discusión' or 'pelea' for a verbal fight. 'Argumento' means the *point* or *reason* you are presenting, not the conflict itself.

razonamiento

rrah-soh-nah-myehn-tohraθonaˈmjento

nounB2
This word refers to the process of thinking logically or the explanation of that process, often to persuade someone.
A colorful illustration of a person sitting under a tree, holding a single glowing puzzle piece and looking at it thoughtfully.

Examples

No sigo tu razonamiento en este punto.

I don't follow your reasoning on this point.

Su razonamiento lógico fue impecable durante el juicio.

His logical reasoning was flawless during the trial.

Es difícil entender el razonamiento detrás de esta decisión política.

It is difficult to understand the rationale behind this political decision.

The '-miento' Pattern

Words ending in '-miento' are almost always masculine and describe the result of an action. In this case, it's the result of 'razonar' (to reason).

Abstract Nouns

Even though this word is abstract, it still behaves like a normal object. You can have one 'razonamiento' or many 'razonamientos'.

Gender Error

Mistake: “la razonamiento”

Correction: el razonamiento (most nouns ending in -o are masculine).

Wrong Word Choice

Mistake: “Tengo un razonamiento para llegar tarde.”

Correction: Tengo una razón para llegar tarde. Use 'razón' for a simple cause, and 'razonamiento' for a logical process.

pelea

peh-LEH-ahpeˈle.a

nounA2informal
Use this word for a more intense, often physical or very heated verbal disagreement, similar to a 'fight'.
Two simplified, colorful cartoon figures grappling fiercely in a wrestling stance, illustrating a physical fight or confrontation.

Examples

Los niños tuvieron una pelea por el juguete.

The children had a fight over the toy.

Después de la pelea, no se hablaron por una semana.

After the argument, they didn't speak to each other for a week.

La vida es una pelea constante por nuestros sueños.

Life is a constant struggle for our dreams.

Using 'Tener una pelea'

To talk about a specific argument or fight that happened, you'll often use the phrase 'tener una pelea', which literally means 'to have a fight'. For example, 'Ayer tuve una pelea con mi jefe' (Yesterday I had an argument with my boss).

Fight vs. Struggle

Mistake: “Thinking 'pelea' only means a physical fight with fists.”

Correction: 'Pelea' is very flexible. It can be a verbal argument ('una pelea de pareja' - a couple's quarrel) or a metaphorical struggle ('la pelea contra la injusticia' - the fight against injustice).

tesis

TEH-seesˈtesis

nounC1formal
This word translates 'argument' when it refers to a main point, theory, or proposition being put forward, especially in academic contexts.
Two people standing in front of a large presentation board, one person pointing to a clear chart illustrating a point.

Examples

La tesis principal del autor es que la tecnología nos aleja.

The author's main argument is that technology pulls us apart.

Sus planteamientos refuerzan la tesis de la evolución.

His explanations reinforce the theory of evolution.

Es difícil refutar una tesis tan bien fundamentada.

It is difficult to refute such a well-founded premise.

Abstract vs. Physical

In this context, 'tesis' refers to an idea or a thought, not a physical stack of papers.

discurso

dees-KOOR-sodisˈkuɾso

nounC1
Use this word for a prolonged line of reasoning, a narrative, or a way of thinking within a larger context, like in media or politics.
Two diverse individuals are sitting across from each other, engaged in a focused conversation. Abstract colorful lines flow visibly between their heads, symbolizing the exchange of ideas and communication.

Examples

El discurso dominante en los medios ha cambiado drásticamente.

The dominant discourse (way of communicating/thinking) in the media has changed drastically.

Es difícil seguir el discurso lógico del filósofo.

It is difficult to follow the logical reasoning of the philosopher.

Abstract Meaning

When used in this sense, 'discurso' refers to the general structure or way of communicating ideas about a topic, not just a single talk. Think of it as the 'worldview' expressed through language.

Argument vs. Disagreement

Learners often confuse 'argumento' (a reason or logic) with 'discusión' or 'pelea' (a disagreement). Remember that 'argumento' is about presenting points, while 'discusión' and 'pelea' are about conflict.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.