Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| discutir | /diskuˈtiɾ/ |
| conversar | /kombeɾˈsaɾ/ |
| debatir | /debaˈtiɾ/ |
| dialogar | /djaloˈɡaɾ/ |
| departir | /depaɾˈtiɾ/ |
| prosear | /pɾoseaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| interlocutar | /inteɾlokutaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
There are several ways to express the concept of discussing depending on the nature of the interaction. You can use discutir (algo) to mean discuss something or argue something. If you want to express the idea of exchanging ideas, you can use intercambiar ideas. To describe the act of starting a discussion or getting into the subject matter, use the idiom entrar en materia. For a more idiomatic way to describe bringing a topic up for discussion, you can poner sobre la mesa (algo), which literally means to put something on the table.
Which one should you use?
The choice of word depends heavily on the tone of the conversation. While discutir can mean to discuss something, it often carries a connotation of arguing or having a heated disagreement. To imply a friendly, neutral or casual exchange of ideas without that tension, use conversar. For a more specific, structured or formal debate regarding specific topics, use debatir.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The level of formality varies across the different forms. Departir is a highly formal way to describe having a conversation or a discussion. In contrast, charlar (sobre algo) is an informal way to say you are chatting or talking about something.
How do you pronounce it?
/diskuˈtiɾ/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Be aware that discutir is often used to mean 'to argue' or 'to fight'.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of discutir is 'discutere', which originally meant 'to dash to pieces' or 'to scatter'. This explains why the modern Spanish usage feels so much more violent and broken than the English 'discuss'.
- The formal verb departir is frequently used to describe discussions that take place over food or drinks, where the conversation is as essential as the meal.
- If you want to negotiate a lower price for an item, you might discutir the cost. In this context, it means you are actively challenging or contesting the stated amount rather than just talking about it.
Examples in context
- Lo discutiré con él.I'll discuss it with him.This sentence shows how to use discutir to express discussing something with someone.Tatoeba #5053144 by Shishir, translation #3903751 by CH
- Lo discutiremos más tarde.We'll discuss it later.This sentence shows how to use discutir to express discussing something at a later time.Tatoeba #2934702 by marcelostockle, translation #2645678 by CK
- ¿No podemos discutir esto?Can't we discuss this?This sentence shows how to use discutir to ask if a topic can be discussed.Tatoeba #3562870 by ficion, translation #3329786 by CK
- Vamos a hablar de los problemas económicos del paísLet's discuss the country's economic problems
- La conferencia tratará de la importancia de la educaciónThe conference will discuss the importance of education
- Vamos a charlar sobre nuestras vacacionesLet's discuss our vacations
- Vamos a conversar sobre el último episodio de esa serieLet's discuss the latest episode of that series
- Vamos a debatir el tema de la inmigraciónLet's discuss the immigration issue
- Vamos a discutir el nuevo proyecto de leyLet's discuss the new bill
- Es importante poner sobre la mesa los problemas medioambientalesIt's important to discuss environmental issues
- Vamos a entrar en materia y discutir los detalles del proyectoLet's get into the subject matter and discuss the project details
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are planning a trip.
- AlejandroNecesitamos discutir el presupuesto del viaje.We need to discuss the trip budget.
- ElenaEstoy de acuerdo, hablemos de eso ahora.I agree, let's talk about that now.
- AlejandroPodemos discutir los hoteles mañana.We can discuss the hotels tomorrow.
- ElenaMe parece bien, Alejandro.That sounds good to me, Alejandro.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “discuss” translations and entries discutir, conversar, debatir, dialogar, departir, interlocutar, 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 conversar, dialogar, discutir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
