Inklingo

How to Say "fighting" in Spanish

English → Spanish

peleando

peh-leh-AHN-doh/pe.leˈan.do/

Verb (Gerund)A2General
Use this word for general physical altercations or arguments between people, especially when they are actively engaged in the conflict.
Two cartoon children are engaged in a physical fight, pushing and shoving each other forcefully with determined expressions.

Examples

Los niños estaban peleando por el juguete.

The children were fighting over the toy.

La policía llegó mientras los dos hombres seguían peleando.

The police arrived while the two men were still fighting.

The '-ando' Form

The word 'peleando' is the gerund, which is the Spanish version of the '-ing' form in English (like 'fighting'). It is essential for forming continuous tenses, usually with the verb 'estar' (to be).

Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'

Mistake:Soy peleando.

Correction: Estoy peleando. Remember, continuous actions (what you are doing right now) almost always use 'estar' + the gerund.

luchando

loo-CHAHN-doh/luˈtʃan̪.do/

GerundA2General
This term is best for describing active physical combat, wrestling, or a struggle for control over something tangible.
Two simplified figures wrestling intensely on a mat, locked in a grapple, illustrating physical combat.

Examples

Están luchando en el suelo por la pelota.

They are fighting on the floor for the ball.

Vimos a dos gatos luchando ruidosamente en el jardín.

We saw two cats fighting loudly in the garden.

Forming the Continuous Action

"Luchando" is the '-ing' form (the gerund). It always follows a form of the verb 'estar' (like 'estoy,' 'estás,' 'está') to show an action that is happening right at this moment.

Using 'Ser' instead of 'Estar'

Mistake:Soy luchando.

Correction: Estoy luchando. Remember, 'ser' describes permanent qualities, but 'estar' describes temporary states and ongoing actions.

guerrero

gweh-RREH-roh/ɡeˈreɾo/

AdjectiveB1General
Use this adjective to describe a warlike spirit, nature, or tendency, rather than an ongoing physical fight.
A collection of simple, stylized weapons, including a crossed sword and shield, symbolizing a warlike nature.

Examples

Esa tribu tenía un carácter muy guerrero.

That tribe had a very warlike character.

Necesitamos mantener ese espíritu guerrero en el partido final.

We need to maintain that fighting spirit in the final game.

Agreement is Key

As an adjective, 'guerrero' must match the noun it describes in gender and number: 'un pueblo guerrero' (masculine singular), 'naciones guerreras' (feminine plural).

Peleando vs. Luchando

Learners often confuse 'peleando' and 'luchando'. While both imply physical conflict, 'peleando' is more general for quarrels and fights, whereas 'luchando' often suggests a more intense physical struggle or wrestling match.

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