Inklingo

How to Say "clash" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “clash” is “choque” — use 'choque' for a strong impact, whether physical (like two cars) or metaphorical, such as a clash of cultures or ideas.

choque🔊B1

Use 'choque' for a strong impact, whether physical (like two cars) or metaphorical, such as a clash of cultures or ideas.

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desacuerdo🔊B1

Opt for 'desacuerdo' when there's a difference of opinion or a minor dispute about something.

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enfrentamiento🔊B1

Use 'enfrentamiento' to describe a more direct struggle or confrontation, often implying a face-to-face conflict or dispute.

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confrontaciónB1

Choose 'confrontación' for a tense disagreement or a direct challenge, often in a social or professional setting.

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contradicciónB1

Use 'contradicción' specifically when two statements, facts, or ideas are directly opposed and cannot both be true.

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colisiónB2

Employ 'colisión' mainly for physical impacts, like vehicles, or when interests directly interfere with each other.

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English → Spanish

choque

CHOH-kehˈtʃo.ke

nounB1general
Use 'choque' for a strong impact, whether physical (like two cars) or metaphorical, such as a clash of cultures or ideas.
A storybook illustration of a person with wide eyes and their hand covering their mouth, displaying intense surprise or emotional distress.

Examples

Fue un choque cultural muy fuerte cuando llegó a la capital.

It was a very strong culture shock when she arrived in the capital.

El choque de ideologías provocó la ruptura del partido.

The clash of ideologies caused the breakup of the party.

El paciente entró en choque después de la operación.

The patient went into shock after the operation.

Figurative Use

When used figuratively, 'choque' still means a strong, sudden, negative impact, like a 'clash' of personalities or a 'shock' to your system.

desacuerdo

dess-ah-kwer-dohdes.aˈkweɾ.ðo

nounB1general
Opt for 'desacuerdo' when there's a difference of opinion or a minor dispute about something.
Two people standing back to back looking in opposite directions with crossed arms.

Examples

Hay un pequeño desacuerdo sobre quién debe lavar los platos.

There is a small disagreement about who should wash the dishes.

Los científicos están en desacuerdo sobre la causa del fenómeno.

The scientists are in disagreement about the cause of the phenomenon.

Expresaron su desacuerdo con la nueva ley mediante una protesta.

They expressed their disagreement with the new law through a protest.

Using 'en' with desacuerdo

To say 'I disagree,' Spanish speakers usually say 'I am in disagreement.' This requires the phrase 'estar en desacuerdo'.

Desacuerdo vs. Disagreeing

In English, 'disagree' is a verb. While Spanish has a verb (desacordar), it is rarely used. Instead, people almost always use the noun 'desacuerdo' with the verb 'estar'.

Missing the 'en'

Mistake: “Yo estoy desacuerdo contigo.”

Correction: Yo estoy EN desacuerdo contigo. (You need the word 'en' to link the state of being to the disagreement.)

Gender Confusion

Mistake: “La desacuerdo es grande.”

Correction: EL desacuerdo es grande. (Even though it ends in 'o', some learners forget it is masculine.)

enfrentamiento

en-fren-tah-myen-toheɱfɾentaˈmjento

nounB1general
Use 'enfrentamiento' to describe a more direct struggle or confrontation, often implying a face-to-face conflict or dispute.
Two goats with interlocking horns in a field, representing a head-to-head clash.

Examples

Hubo un enfrentamiento fuerte entre los dos políticos.

There was a strong confrontation between the two politicians.

La policía intentó evitar el enfrentamiento en la calle.

The police tried to avoid the clash in the street.

El enfrentamiento de ideas es necesario para el progreso.

The confrontation of ideas is necessary for progress.

Making it Plural

Since the word ends in a vowel 'o', simply add an 's' to make it plural: 'los enfrentamientos'.

Linking with 'Entre'

To say who is involved in the clash, always use the word 'entre' (between). For example: 'enfrentamiento entre vecinos'.

Confusing with 'Confrontación'

Mistake: “Using 'confrontación' for every situation.”

Correction: While 'confrontación' exists, 'enfrentamiento' is much more natural and common in Spanish for physical or verbal clashes.

confrontación

nounB1general
Choose 'confrontación' for a tense disagreement or a direct challenge, often in a social or professional setting.

Examples

No quiero tener una confrontación con mi jefe hoy.

I don't want to have a confrontation with my boss today.

contradicción

nounB1general
Use 'contradicción' specifically when two statements, facts, or ideas are directly opposed and cannot both be true.

Examples

Hay una contradicción en tu historia; primero dijiste que estabas en casa.

There is a contradiction in your story; first you said you were at home.

colisión

nounB2general
Employ 'colisión' mainly for physical impacts, like vehicles, or when interests directly interfere with each other.

Examples

Existe una colisión de intereses entre los dos socios.

There is a conflict of interest between the two partners.

Confusing 'choque' and 'desacuerdo'

Learners often confuse 'choque' and 'desacuerdo'. Remember that 'choque' implies a stronger impact, whether physical or cultural, while 'desacuerdo' refers to a milder difference of opinion or a minor argument.

Related Translations

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