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How to Say "to reason" in Spanish

English → Spanish

razonar

/rah-soh-NAR//rasoˈnaɾ/

verbB1
Use this word when you mean to think logically or to use your reason, often implying a need for careful consideration before acting.
A child sitting at a wooden desk with a thoughtful expression, holding a wooden puzzle piece and looking at a partially completed puzzle.

Examples

Tómate un momento para razonar antes de decidir.

Take a moment to reason (think logically) before deciding.

Los seres humanos tienen la capacidad de razonar.

Human beings have the ability to reason.

Es difícil razonar con alguien que está muy enfadado.

It is difficult to reason with someone who is very angry.

A Regular Friend

Good news! Razonar is a totally regular verb. It follows the exact same pattern as common words like 'hablar' or 'cantar' in all tenses.

Using 'Con'

When you want to say you are reasoning 'with' someone to convince them, use the word 'con' just like in English: 'razonar con mi jefe'.

Don't confuse with 'Price'

Mistake: “Using razonar when you want to bargain for a lower price.”

Correction: Use 'regatear' for haggling over prices; 'razonar' is only for logical thinking.

argumentar

/ar-goo-men-TAR//aɾɡumenˈtaɾ/

verbB1
Choose this verb when the focus is on presenting reasons or evidence to support a claim or explanation, often in a discussion or debate.
A person standing at a podium gesturing towards a large, colorful chart showing a positive upward trend.

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.

discurrir

/dees-koo-reer//diskuˈrir/

verbC1
Use this advanced verb when referring to the mental process of thinking through a complex problem or developing a plan, often with a sense of ingenuity.
A person sitting under a tree with a bright glowing lightbulb appearing above their head.

Examples

Tuvo que discurrir un plan para escapar.

He had to devise a plan to escape.

Déjame discurrir un poco antes de decidir.

Let me think/reason for a bit before deciding.

Es capaz de discurrir soluciones brillantes.

He is capable of coming up with brilliant solutions.

Mental Movement

Think of this meaning as your thoughts 'flowing' toward a solution. It's the mental version of water flowing.

Using it for simple thoughts

Mistake: “Discurro que es tarde.”

Correction: Pienso que es tarde. Use 'discurrir' for deeper reasoning or invention, not for simple opinions.

Razonar vs. Argumentar

Learners often confuse 'razonar' and 'argumentar'. Remember that 'razonar' is about the internal process of thinking logically, while 'argumentar' is about presenting those logical thoughts or reasons to others.

Related Translations

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