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How to Say "disagreement" in Spanish

English → Spanish

desacuerdo

dess-ah-kwer-dohdes.aˈkweɾ.ðo

nounB1general
Use 'desacuerdo' when referring to a general lack of agreement or harmony between people on a particular issue or decision.
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.)

diferencia

dee-feh-REHN-syahdifeˈɾensja

nounA2general
Opt for 'diferencia' when the disagreement involves a dispute, argument, or a point of contention between individuals, often implying a stronger opposition than 'desacuerdo'.
A small bright red square placed next to a large bright blue circle, clearly illustrating a difference in size and color.

Examples

¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'ser' y 'estar'?

What is the difference between 'ser' and 'estar'?

Hay una gran diferencia de precio entre los dos coches.

There's a big price difference between the two cars.

Tuvieron una pequeña diferencia y ahora no se hablan.

They had a small disagreement and now they aren't speaking to each other.

Using 'entre' for Comparisons

When you talk about a difference 'between' two or more things, always use the word 'entre'. For example, 'la diferencia entre el día y la noche' (the difference between day and night).

Forgetting the Gender

Mistake: “El diferencia es pequeño.”

Correction: La diferencia es pequeña. The word 'diferencia' ends in '-a' and is feminine, so you need to use 'la' and make sure any describing words match it, like 'pequeña'.

discrepancia

dees-kre-PAHN-syahdis.kɾeˈpan.sja

nounB2formal/technical
Employ 'discrepancia' when there's a noticeable difference in opinion, data, or accounts, often in more formal, technical, or professional settings.
Two jigsaw puzzle pieces that do not fit together because their edges have different shapes.

Examples

Hay una pequeña discrepancia entre los dos informes contables.

There is a small discrepancy between the two accounting reports.

La discrepancia de opiniones en el equipo dificultó la decisión final.

The disagreement in opinions within the team made the final decision difficult.

No puedo explicar la discrepancia entre lo que prometiste y lo que hiciste.

I cannot explain the difference between what you promised and what you did.

Feminine Noun Pattern

This word ends in '-ancia,' which is a common ending for feminine nouns. Always use feminine words like 'la' or 'una' with it.

Using 'Entre' for Comparison

When you want to say what two things are different, use the word 'entre' (between). For example: 'la discrepancia entre A y B'.

Don't use for casual fights

Mistake: “Tengo una discrepancia con mi hermano.”

Correction: Tengo una pelea/discusión con mi hermano. 'Discrepancia' is usually for formal disagreements or data errors, not personal arguments.

Choosing between 'desacuerdo' and 'diferencia'

Learners often confuse 'desacuerdo' and 'diferencia'. 'Desacuerdo' is best for a general lack of consensus or harmony, while 'diferencia' implies a more active dispute or argument. Think of 'diferencia' as a more heated or pronounced disagreement than 'desacuerdo'.

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