Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| discusión | /diskuˈsjon/ | feminine |
| bronca | /ˈbɾonka/ | feminine |
| argüende | /aɾˈɡwende/ | masculine |
| trabacuenta | /tɾabakwenta/ (from spelling rules) | feminine |
| bronche | /bɾont͡ʃe/ (from spelling rules) | Ecuador, masculine |
| rencilla | /renˈθiʝa/ | feminine |
The term discusión is used to describe a verbal dispute or a quarrel. It is a versatile word that can also describe a neutral discussion or a debate. When you want to emphasize that an argument is particularly intense, you can use the phrase discusión acalorada to mean a heated argument.
Which one should you use?
While discusión is the standard term for both a heated argument and a neutral discussion, other words change the nuance. Rencilla describes a long-standing quarrel or a petty feud, often used in literary contexts. In more casual settings, bronca refers to a verbal quarrel or a fight. If you are describing a noisy argument or a general commotion, the slang term argüende is appropriate.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal or respectful settings, use discusión to describe a general discussion or debate or use controversia to signify a controversial argument. For a structured discussion, the word debate is preferred. In informal settings, pelea is used to describe a fight or quarrel. In specific regions, you might encounter different registers, such as the colloquial lío in Spain or the slang argüende in Mexico.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Ecuador, the masculine term bronche is used to denote an argument or a fight. In Spain and certain parts of Latin America, altercado is used specifically to refer to a verbal argument or altercation. In Spain, lío is a common colloquial term for a conflict or argument.
How does it change in a sentence?
discusión is a feminine noun. bronca, trabacuenta and rencilla are also feminine nouns. argüende and bronche are masculine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/diskuˈsjon/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use the Spanish word argumento to mean a verbal quarrel. This is a common mistake for English speakers. In Spanish, argumento typically refers to the plot of a story or a logical reason.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word discusión shares its roots with the Latin word for 'shaking' or 'striking', as the original meaning involved a vigorous pounding or beating.
- In Spain and Latin America, the term lío is used for an argument, but it literally means 'a mess' or 'a tangle'.
- The word bronca is not only used for a verbal quarrel but is also closely related to the adjective bronco, which describes something rugged or coarse.
Examples in context
- Tom ganó la discusión.Tom won the argument.This example shows how to use the word discusión to describe winning an argument.Tatoeba #4556465 by DarkHollow, translation #4495710 by CK
- La discusión se acaloró.The argument became heated.This example uses discusión to describe an argument becoming heated.Tatoeba #2255670 by hayastan, translation #2255669 by _undertoad
- Su discusión pareció eterna.Their argument seemed endless.This example uses discusión to describe an argument that felt endless.Tatoeba #5701955 by albrusgher, translation #305170 by shekitten
- Tuvimos una larga discusión sobre el tema sin llegar a un acuerdo.We had a long argument about the topic without reaching an agreement.
- Ayer presencié una pelea entre mis vecinos por el estacionamiento.Yesterday, I witnessed an argument between my neighbors over the parking space.
- Tuve una discusión acalorada con mi hermano sobre política.I had a heated argument with my brother about politics.
- Los vecinos tuvieron un altercado en medio de la noche.The neighbors had an argument in the middle of the night.
- 23 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are talking in their living room after a disagreement.
- JavierSiento mucho nuestra discusión de ayer.I am very sorry about our argument yesterday.
- SofíaEstá bien, Javier, ya lo olvidé.It is okay, Javier, I already forgot about it.
- JavierPrometo que no volverá a pasar.I promise it won't happen again.
- SofíaGracias, valoro mucho tus palabras.Thank you, I really appreciate your words.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “argument” translations and entries discusión, bronca, argüende, trabacuenta, bronche, rencilla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries argüende, bronca, discusión, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
