quiero pelear
/kjeɾo peleaɾ/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I wanna fight" is translated into Spanish as quiero pelear.
quiero pelear is the standard way to express a desire to fight or argue. If you specifically mean you want to have a verbal debate or argument, you would use quiero discutir instead.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the first-person singular present of querer (to want) and the infinitive pelear (to fight).
Which one should you use?
While quiero pelear expresses the desire to engage in the act of fighting, if you want to express the desire for a specific fight as a noun, you would say quiero una pelea.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Argentina, Quiero agarrarme a las piñas means "I want to throw punches". In Mexico, Quiero agarrar a golpes is a colloquial way to express the desire to fight.
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo peleaɾ/
Did you know?
- The Spanish verb pelear shares a common root with the Romanian word părui, which specifically means 'to fight by pulling hair'.
- In Argentina, the phrase agarrarme a las piñas uses the word piñas, which usually means 'pineapples', to refer to closed fists.
- While pelear can mean a physical fight, in many Spanish-speaking cultures it is frequently used to describe a verbal lovers' quarrel without any physical violence.
Examples in context
- Quiero pelear contra la injusticia.I want to fight against injustice.
- Quiero pelear con ese hombre.I want to fight with that man.
- No quiero pelear hoy.I don't want to fight today.
- Si me insultas, quiero pelear.If you insult me, I want to fight.
Example conversation
Two friends are arguing during a competitive video game.
- Sofía¡Me ganaste haciendo trampa, Javier!You beat me by cheating, Javier!
- JavierNo fue trampa, solo soy mejor.It wasn't cheating, I'm just better.
- Sofía¡No me digas eso! Ahora quiero pelear.Don't tell me that! Now I wanna fight.
- JavierCálmate, Sofía, es solo un juego.Calm down, Sofía, it's just a game.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries pelear, CC BY-SA 4.0.
