Inklingo

How to Say "to argue" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pelear

peh-leh-AHR/pe.leˈaɾ/

verbA2informal
Use 'pelear' when referring to a verbal fight or a heated disagreement between people.
Two stylized adult figures standing opposite each other with clear expressions of anger and disagreement, one pointing a finger, illustrating a verbal argument.

Examples

Los hermanos siempre pelean por quién usa la computadora.

The brothers always argue about who uses the computer.

Mis padres siempre pelean por el dinero.

My parents always argue about money.

María y yo nos peleamos por un malentendido.

Maria and I quarreled (fought) over a misunderstanding. (Note: using 'nos peleamos' means 'we fought each other'.)

No quiero pelear contigo hoy, estoy cansado.

I don't want to argue with you today, I am tired.

Using 'Pelearse'

When two or more people fight or argue with each other, use the reflexive form: 'Se pelearon' (They fought/argued). This emphasizes the reciprocal action.

Pelear vs. Discutir

Mistake: “Using 'pelear' when you simply mean 'to discuss a topic'.”

Correction: 'Discutir' is for debating ideas, even heatedly. 'Pelear' is usually reserved for a mean, hostile argument or a physical fight. If you are just having a conversation, use 'discutir' or 'conversar'.

sostener

soh-steh-NEHR/sosteˈneɾ/

verbB2formal
Use 'sostener' when someone is asserting or defending a particular opinion, belief, or position, often in a formal or intellectual context.
A person standing confidently on a small hill, holding a bright red sphere high above their head.

Examples

Ella sostiene que la nueva política es perjudicial para el medio ambiente.

She maintains (or argues) that the new policy is detrimental to the environment.

El presidente sostiene que la economía mejorará pronto.

The president maintains (or asserts) that the economy will improve soon.

Ella sostuvo su argumento a pesar de la crítica.

She upheld her argument despite the criticism.

Los científicos sostienen la teoría del calentamiento global.

The scientists support (or uphold) the theory of global warming.

Common Structure

When used to assert an idea, 'sostener' is often followed by 'que' and a statement in the indicative mood (normal verb form), since it expresses certainty: 'Sostengo que tienes razón' (I maintain that you are right).

Pelear vs. Sostener

Learners often confuse 'pelear' and 'sostener'. Remember that 'pelear' implies a conflict or quarrel, while 'sostener' means to assert or defend a point of view, like in a debate.

Related Translations

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