How to Say "to argue" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “to argue” is “pelear” — use 'pelear' when describing a heated verbal disagreement or a fight between people.
pelear
peh-leh-AHRpe.leˈaɾ
Examples
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'.
argumentar
ar-goo-men-TARaɾɡumenˈtaɾ
Examples
Tienes que argumentar tu respuesta en el examen.
You have to provide reasons for your answer on the exam.
Ella argumentó que el plan era demasiado costoso.
She argued that the plan was too expensive.
El abogado argumentó a favor de su cliente con mucha pasión.
The lawyer argued in favor of his client with a lot of passion.
Using 'que' to link ideas
When you want to say what you are arguing for, use the word 'que' after the verb to connect to the next part of your sentence, like 'Argumento que es verdad' (I argue that it is true).
Completely Regular
This verb follows the standard pattern for all verbs ending in -ar, so once you know the basic 'ar' rules, you can conjugate this perfectly!
Argumentar vs. Discutir
Mistake: “Using 'argumentar' when you mean you are having a loud, angry fight.”
Correction: Use 'discutir' for a verbal fight. Use 'argumentar' for a logical, calm explanation of your points.
disputar
dees-poo-tahrdis.puˈtaɾ
Examples
No quiero disputar tus motivos, pero no estoy de acuerdo.
I don't want to argue about your motives, but I don't agree.
Los herederos disputaron el testamento ante el juez.
The heirs contested the will before the judge.
Disputaron durante horas sobre política.
They argued for hours about politics.
Formal Arguments
When used for arguing, 'disputar' is more formal than 'pelear' or 'discutir' and usually involves a specific point of disagreement.
Overusing in casual talk
Mistake: “Disputé con mi madre por los platos.”
Correction: Use 'discutir' or 'pelear' for everyday family arguments. 'Disputar' sounds very stiff here.
sostener
soh-steh-NEHRsosteˈneɾ
Examples
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. Argumentar
Related Translations
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