Inklingo

How to Say "discussion" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “discussion” is “conversación” — use this word when referring to a general, often friendly or formal, exchange of ideas or information between two or more people..

English → Spanish

conversación

nounA1formal
Use this word when referring to a general, often friendly or formal, exchange of ideas or information between two or more people.

Examples

Tuvimos una conversación muy interesante sobre el futuro.

We had a very interesting conversation about the future.

debate

deh-BAH-teh/deˈbate/

nounA1general
Choose this word for a structured discussion, often public or formal, where opposing viewpoints are presented and argued, like a political debate or a formal academic discussion.
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'.)

discusión

nounA2general
Use this term when the discussion involves differing opinions, potentially leading to a disagreement or argument, even if it's a heated exchange of views.

Examples

Tuvieron una discusión fuerte sobre quién lavaría los platos.

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

intercambio

in-ter-KAHM-bee-oh/interˈkambjo/

nounB2formal
This word is suitable for describing a formal exchange of opinions or ideas, often implying a more intellectual or professional context.
A high-angle, simple illustration of curved highway ramps connecting two major roads, forming a road junction or interchange.

Examples

El debate se caracterizó por un intercambio acalorado de opiniones.

The debate was characterized by a heated interchange of opinions.

La salida está justo después del intercambio de la autopista.

The exit is right after the highway interchange.

Formal Use

In this context, 'intercambio' often implies a back-and-forth flow, whether it's words, traffic, or even gunfire.

Distinguishing 'discusión' from 'conversación'

The most common pitfall for learners is using 'discusión' when a neutral or positive 'conversación' is intended. Remember that 'discusión' often carries a connotation of disagreement or argument, whereas 'conversación' is the general, neutral term for talking.

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