Inklingo

How to Say "discord" in Spanish

English → Spanish

desacuerdo

/dess-ah-kwer-doh//des.aˈkweɾ.ðo/

nounB1general
Use 'desacuerdo' when there is a simple difference of opinion or a lack of harmony between things that should align, like in a negotiation or a minor household dispute.
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.)

querella

/keh-REH-yah//keˈɾeʝa/

nounC1formal
Opt for 'querella' when referring to a long-standing, serious dispute or feud, often between groups or families, implying a significant and prolonged lack of agreement.
Two neighbors arguing over a wooden fence in a backyard.

Examples

Las viejas querellas entre las dos familias duraron décadas.

The old feuds between the two families lasted for decades.

No quiero participar en vuestras querellas domésticas.

I don't want to take part in your domestic quarrels.

El poema habla de las querellas del corazón.

The poem speaks of the laments (sorrows) of the heart.

Plural Usage

In this literary sense, 'querella' is very often used in the plural ('querellas') to describe a series of arguments or a complicated history of fighting.

General vs. Deep-Seated Conflict

Learners often confuse 'desacuerdo' and 'querella' by using 'querella' for everyday disagreements. Remember, 'desacuerdo' is for general lack of agreement, while 'querella' signifies a more serious, often historical, conflict or feud.

Related Translations

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