Spanish word

pelear

Pronunciation

IPA/peleˈaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbargue

Example

No vale la pena pelear por eso.

It's not worth arguing about that.

Illustration for pelear (argue)

More examples

No deberías pelear con tu hermano por tonterías.

You shouldn't argue with your brother over silly things.

Core concept

Two people grappling and shouting.

Common phrases

  • pelear con alguien

    argue with someone

  • pelear por algo

    argue about something

Similar words

discutir: Exchange words to express disagreement or debate ideas, typically without physical force.
pelearse: Become involved in a mutual fight or quarrel that damages the relationship.
reñir: Engage in an argument that includes scolding or reprimanding the other person.
luchar: Struggle physically or strategically to overcome an opponent or difficult obstacle.

Definition in Spanish

Combatir o discutir con alguien, de forma física o verbal; frecuentemente aparece también en forma pronominal pelearse.

Word origin

Derived from Old French peleier 'to fight', Spanish pelear keeps a broad sense that covers both physical combat and heated verbal disputes.

Usage tips

  • Pelearse with a reflexive pronoun indicates having a fight with someone, pelear por + noun names what people are fighting over, and discutir is the usual choice for milder, nonhostile arguments.

Other meanings

  • competeverb
  • fightverb

Opposites

  • llevarse bienget alongverb
  • conciliarreconcileverb

Related words

  • peleaquarrelnoun
  • peleadorfighternoun
  • peleónquarrelsomeadjective

Word lists with this word