Inklingo

How to Say "to battle" in Spanish

English → Spanish

combatir

/kom-bah-TEER//kom.baˈtiɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'combatir' when referring to direct, physical confrontation or warfare between opposing forces.
A colorful storybook illustration showing two friendly-looking knights sparring with wooden swords, demonstrating physical combat.

Examples

Los soldados están listos para combatir al enemigo.

The soldiers are ready to fight the enemy.

La tropa combatió valientemente durante la noche.

The troop fought bravely throughout the night.

Using 'Contra'

When you specify what or who you are fighting, you almost always need the preposition 'contra' (against): 'Ellos combatieron contra la invasión.'

luchar

/loo-CHAR//luˈʧaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'luchar' for figurative battles, struggles against adversity, or campaigns for a cause, rather than direct physical combat.
A determined figure pushing with all their might against a gigantic, rough, gray boulder that is resisting movement, illustrating great effort.

Examples

Mi abuela luchó toda su vida por la igualdad de las mujeres.

My grandmother struggled/campaigned her entire life for women's equality.

Luchamos contra la corrupción en el gobierno.

We are fighting against corruption in the government.

Tienes que luchar por tus sueños.

You have to strive/fight for your dreams.

Using 'Por' vs. 'Contra'

Mistake: “Luchamos a favor los derechos (We fight in favor the rights)”

Correction: Luchamos por los derechos. Use 'luchar por' when striving for a goal, and 'luchar contra' when opposing something.

Combatir vs. Luchar: Physical vs. Figurative

Learners often confuse 'combatir' and 'luchar' by using 'combatir' for non-physical struggles. Remember that 'combatir' implies a direct, often physical, opposition, while 'luchar' is more commonly used for broader efforts or struggles against difficult situations.

Related Translations

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