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How to Say "reasoning" in Spanish

English → Spanish

razonamiento

rrah-soh-nah-myehn-tohraθonaˈmjento

nounB2general
Use this word when referring to the specific mental process of forming logical conclusions or arguments, focusing on the steps of thought.
A colorful illustration of a person sitting under a tree, holding a single glowing puzzle piece and looking at it thoughtfully.

Examples

No sigo tu razonamiento en este punto.

I don't follow your reasoning on this point.

Su razonamiento lógico fue impecable durante el juicio.

His logical reasoning was flawless during the trial.

Es difícil entender el razonamiento detrás de esta decisión política.

It is difficult to understand the rationale behind this political decision.

The '-miento' Pattern

Words ending in '-miento' are almost always masculine and describe the result of an action. In this case, it's the result of 'razonar' (to reason).

Abstract Nouns

Even though this word is abstract, it still behaves like a normal object. You can have one 'razonamiento' or many 'razonamientos'.

Gender Error

Mistake: “la razonamiento”

Correction: el razonamiento (most nouns ending in -o are masculine).

Wrong Word Choice

Mistake: “Tengo un razonamiento para llegar tarde.”

Correction: Tengo una razón para llegar tarde. Use 'razón' for a simple cause, and 'razonamiento' for a logical process.

lógica

nounB1general
Use this word when discussing the general principle of sense, coherence, or rationality in a statement or situation, rather than a personal thought process.

Examples

Lo que dices no tiene mucha lógica.

What you are saying doesn't make much sense (or, doesn't have much logic).

discurso

dees-KOOR-sodisˈkuɾso

nounC1general
Use this word when referring to a dominant way of thinking, communicating, or presenting ideas within a particular group or context, often with a public or social dimension.
Two diverse individuals are sitting across from each other, engaged in a focused conversation. Abstract colorful lines flow visibly between their heads, symbolizing the exchange of ideas and communication.

Examples

El discurso dominante en los medios ha cambiado drásticamente.

The dominant discourse (way of communicating/thinking) in the media has changed drastically.

Es difícil seguir el discurso lógico del filósofo.

It is difficult to follow the logical reasoning of the philosopher.

Abstract Meaning

When used in this sense, 'discurso' refers to the general structure or way of communicating ideas about a topic, not just a single talk. Think of it as the 'worldview' expressed through language.

Choosing between 'razonamiento' and 'lógica'

Learners often confuse 'razonamiento' and 'lógica'. Remember that 'razonamiento' refers to *your* specific thought process, while 'lógica' refers to the general sense or coherence of an idea or situation.

Related Translations

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