disputa
/disˈputa/
The Spanish word for 'dispute' is disputa.
When you want to express the action of arguing against, contesting or disputing something like a claim or a result, you use the related verb disputar.
Meaning: to argue against (verb)
Which one should you use?
While disputa can be used in formal or legal settings, it is generally more serious than the informal word pelea, which refers to a common fight or quarrel. In a strictly legal context, such as litigation, the term litigio may be used instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun disputa (dispute) corresponds to the verb disputar (to dispute or to argue against).
How do you pronounce it?
/disˈputa/
Did you know?
- In sports contexts, disputar is often used not as a conflict, but simply to mean 'to play' or 'to compete in' a match. A commentator might say a player disputó el partido to mean they simply participated in the game.
- In historical Spanish texts, disputar was often used to describe formal scholastic debates in universities, where students would argue points of logic and theology.
- While disputa means 'dispute', the Spanish word pleito is often used in daily conversation to describe a long-standing legal battle or a bitter familial grudge.
Examples in context
- Más que una guerra, fue una disputa.More than a war, it was a dispute.This sentence uses disputa to compare a dispute to a war.Tatoeba #5965230 by arh, translation #8160981 by magnificentgoddess
- Los países involucrados resolvieron la disputa por medios pacíficos.The countries concerned settled the dispute by peaceful means.This sentence shows how countries might resolve a disputa through peaceful means.Tatoeba #1463520 by marcelostockle, translation #20820 by RJH
- (Ellos/as) No quisieron involucrarse (implicarse) en la disputa (pelea)They did not wish to become embroiled in the dispute.This sentence uses disputa to describe being involved in a disagreement.Tatoeba #14043897 by lucho_gonzalez125, translation #305846 by CM
- El juez está resolviendo una disputa legal entre ambas partes.The judge is resolving a legal dispute between both parties.
- La controversia generada por la ley ha dividido a la sociedad.The controversy generated by the law has divided society.
- Estamos preparando el caso para el próximo litigio.We are preparing the case for the upcoming litigation.
- Ayer tuvimos una pelea acalorada.Yesterday, we had a heated dispute.
- Tuvimos una discusión sobre el tema del proyecto.We had a dispute about the project topic.
- Presencié una riña entre los vecinos por el estacionamiento.I witnessed a dispute between the neighbors over parking.
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are discussing a decision about a project.
- DanielDaniel disputa la decisión del jefe.Daniel disputes the boss's decision.
- MaríaTienes razón, María. Es injusto.You are right, María. It is unfair.
- Daniel¿Crees que él cambiará de opinión?Do you think he will change his mind?
- MaríaNo lo sé, pero él siempre disputa todo.I don't know, but he always disputes everything.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry disputa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
