polémico
/poˈlemiko/
The English word controversial is translated into Spanish as polémico, controvertido or controversial.
Meaning: arousing controversy (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| polémico | /poˈlemiko/ |
| controvertido | /kontɾobeɾˈtido/ |
| controversial | /kontɾobeɾˈsjal/ |
These terms are used to describe something that arouses controversy or debate.
Which one should you use?
While all these forms mean controversial, controvertido is often used in more formal or legal contexts to describe a fact or decision that is being disputed or contested.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, polémico/a is a prevalent term used to mean controversial.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective polémico must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies, such as temas polémicos (controversial topics). Additionally, the noun form polémica refers to the controversy or debate itself.
How do you pronounce it?
/poˈlemiko/
Did you know?
- The term controversial is an example of an anglicism, having been borrowed directly from the English language rather than evolving from Latin.
- Calling a person polémico in Spanish carries a slightly different nuance than 'controversial' in English, often implying they are someone who intentionally provokes or stirs up trouble.
- In Spanish, polémica is not just a general disagreement, but specifically refers to a public debate that is often conducted through writing or formal speeches.
Examples in context
- Este asunto es controvertido.This is a controversial issue.This sentence uses controvertido to describe a controversial issue.Tatoeba #5637304 by arh, translation #5827386 by arh
- Todo lo que Tom hace es controversial.Everything Tom does is controversial.This sentence uses controversial to describe a person's actions.Tatoeba #4900876 by Ruthdq, translation #4900678 by CK
- Él comenzó a encarnar papeles más polémicos.He began playing more controversial roles.This sentence uses polémico to describe roles.Tatoeba #9049994 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #9049997 by rafaeldejesus8199
- El tema de la inmigración es polémico en nuestra sociedad.The issue of immigration is controversial in our society.
- La película ha sido controvertida desde su estreno.The movie has been controversial since its release.
- La novela levantó una gran polémica en las redes sociales.The novel sparked a lot of controversy on social media.
- Sus comentarios controversiales resultaron muy molestos para algunos.Her controversial comments were very irritating for some.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing a new law on the news.
- JavierEl nuevo proyecto de ley es muy polémico.The new bill is very controversial.
- MaríaTienes razón, mucha gente no está de acuerdo.You are right, many people do not agree.
- JavierCreo que el debate será bastante intenso.I think the debate will be quite intense.
- MaríaEs un tema polémico, pero es necesario discutirlo.It is a controversial topic, but it is necessary to discuss it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “controversial” translations and entries polémico, controvertido, controversial, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries controversial, controvertido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
