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How to Say "discuss" in Spanish

English → Spanish

discutir

dis-koo-TEER/dis.kuˈtiɾ/

VerbA2formal/informal
Use 'discutir' when you want to talk about a specific topic, whether in a formal meeting or a casual conversation.
Two friendly characters sitting at a table having a calm conversation, illustrating the act of discussion.

Examples

Discutimos el problema durante horas.

We discussed the problem for hours.

Discutiremos el nuevo presupuesto en la reunión de mañana.

We will discuss the new budget in tomorrow's meeting.

Es importante discutir los problemas antes de que crezcan.

It is important to discuss problems before they grow.

Direct Object Use

When 'discutir' means 'to discuss,' it usually takes the thing being discussed right after it, without a preposition: 'Discutimos la película' (We discussed the movie).

Don't confuse the verb

Mistake: “Using 'discutir' to mean 'to disgust' (which is 'disgustar').”

Correction: These are false friends! 'Discutir' is about talking or arguing; 'disgustar' is about causing distaste.

hablen

Verb (Conjugated Form)B1informal
Use 'hablen' (a form of 'hablar') when you are telling people to speak more clearly or to talk more so you can understand them.

Examples

Por favor, hablen más alto, no los oigo bien.

Please speak louder, I can't hear you well.

Discutir vs. Hablar Clearly

The most common mistake is using 'discutir' when you actually mean to ask someone to speak more clearly. Remember, 'discutir' is for talking *about* something, while 'hablar' (and its forms like 'hablen') is about the act of speaking itself.

Related Translations

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