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How to Say "fighting" in Spanish

English → Spanish

peleando

peh-leh-AHN-dohpe.leˈan.do

Verb (Gerund)A2General
Use 'peleando' when referring to a physical fight or argument between individuals, especially when it involves a dispute over something.
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-dohluˈtʃan̪.do

GerundA2General
Use 'luchando' for physical combat or wrestling, often implying a more direct struggle or grappling.
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.

combatiente

kom-bah-tyen-tehkombaˈtjente

AdjectiveB2Formal
Use 'combatiente' to describe groups or factions actively engaged in war or organized conflict.
Two groups of knights in different colored tunics facing each other on a field.

Examples

Las facciones combatientes firmaron un cese al fuego.

The fighting factions signed a cease-fire.

Tiene un espíritu combatiente que no se rinde ante los problemas.

He has a combative spirit that doesn't give up in the face of problems.

El sindicato mantuvo una postura combatiente durante las negociaciones.

The union maintained a combative stance during the negotiations.

No gender change

Just like the noun, the describing word (adjective) form stays the same for both masculine and feminine objects.

guerrero

gweh-RREH-rohɡeˈreɾo

AdjectiveB1General
Use 'guerrero' to describe a personality, spirit, or tendency towards being warlike or aggressive, rather than an active 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 can mean physical fighting, 'peleando' is more common for arguments or disputes over objects, while 'luchando' often implies a more direct, physical struggle like wrestling or a battle.

Related Translations

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