How to Say "dispute" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “dispute” is “discusión” — use this for everyday, often less formal disagreements or arguments between people, such as a disagreement about household chores.
discusión
Examples
Tuvieron una discusión fuerte sobre quién lavaría los platos.
They had a strong argument about who would wash the dishes.
conflicto
kohn-FLEEK-tohkonˈflikto
Examples
El conflicto duró varias semanas antes de que llegaran a un acuerdo.
The conflict lasted several weeks before they reached an agreement.
Hay un conflicto laboral entre la empresa y sus empleados.
There is a labor dispute between the company and its employees.
El país evitó un conflicto armado gracias a la diplomacia.
The country avoided an armed conflict thanks to diplomacy.
Gender Reminder
Remember that 'conflicto' is always a masculine noun, so you must use 'el conflicto' or 'un conflicto'.
Mixing up 'conflicto' and 'problema'
Mistake: “Using 'conflicto' when referring to a small, everyday glitch (like a computer problem).”
Correction: Use 'problema' for minor issues. 'Conflicto' usually implies strong opposition, confrontation, or a serious crisis.
disputa
dee-spoo-tahdisˈputa
Examples
Hay una disputa territorial entre los dos países.
There is a territorial dispute between the two countries.
La disputa por la herencia duró varios años.
The dispute over the inheritance lasted several years.
La autoría del libro está en disputa.
The authorship of the book is in dispute.
Gender Identification
This word is feminine, so you should always use feminine markers like 'la' or 'una' (e.g., la disputa).
Cognate Alert
This word is a 'cognate,' meaning it looks and sounds almost exactly like its English counterpart 'dispute,' making it very easy to remember!
Using it for physical fights
Mistake: “Usaron una disputa en el bar.”
Correction: Tuvieron una pelea en el bar.
discutir
dis-koo-TEERdis.kuˈtiɾ
Examples
No me gusta discutir con mi jefe.
I don't like to argue with my boss.
Están discutiendo por quién tiene que lavar los platos.
They are arguing over who has to wash the dishes.
El jugador discutió la decisión del árbitro.
The player disputed the referee's decision.
The Preposition 'Con'
When 'discutir' means 'to argue,' you MUST use the word 'con' (with) before the person you are arguing with: 'Discutió con su hermano' (He argued with his brother).
The Preposition 'Por'
To explain the reason for the argument, use 'por': 'Discutimos por dinero' (We argued over money).
polémica
Examples
La nueva película del director ha causado mucha polémica.
The director's new movie has caused a lot of controversy.
contienda
con-tee-EN-dahkonˈtjenda
Examples
La contienda electoral terminó con un resultado muy ajustado.
The election contest ended with a very close result.
Muchos soldados perdieron la vida en aquella sangrienta contienda.
Many soldiers lost their lives in that bloody conflict.
Es importante mantener el respeto durante la contienda deportiva.
It is important to maintain respect during the sports competition.
Always Feminine
Even though it doesn't refer to a female person, this word is always feminine. You must use feminine adjectives with it: 'la contienda larga' (the long struggle).
Plural Form
To talk about more than one conflict, simply add an 's': 'las contiendas'.
Don't use for small arguments
Mistake: “Tuve una contienda con mi hermano por el control remoto.”
Correction: Tuve una pelea/discusión con mi hermano por el control remoto. (Use 'contienda' for bigger, more formal things like wars or elections, not small household arguments).
controversia
kon-tro-VER-syakontɾoˈβeɾsja
Examples
La nueva ley de transporte causó mucha controversia en la ciudad.
The new transportation law caused a lot of controversy in the city.
Es un tema de gran controversia entre los científicos.
It is a subject of great controversy among scientists.
Para evitar la controversia, el director decidió no hablar de política.
To avoid controversy, the director decided not to talk about politics.
Always Feminine
Even though it ends in 'a', just remember it always takes feminine markers like 'la' or 'una'.
Action Verbs
In Spanish, controversy isn't just 'there'; it is usually 'generated' (generar) or 'raised' (levantar) by something.
Controversia vs. Discusión
Mistake: “Using 'controversia' for a small argument with a friend.”
Correction: Use 'discusión' or 'pelea' for personal arguments. Use 'controversia' for public or social issues.
Noun vs. Verb Confusion
Related Translations
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