Spanish Conversation · Level 91
59 words
Spanish word
reñir
Pronunciation
IPA/reˈɲiɾ/
Meaning
- verbscold
Example
La profesora riñó al estudiante por hablar en clase.
The teacher scolded the student for speaking during class.
More examples
Los vecinos riñeron por el ruido toda la noche.
The neighbors quarreled about the noise all night.
Core concept
A tense verbal confrontation where one person reproaches another.
Common phrases
reñir a alguien
scold someone
reñir a un niño
scold a child
reñir con alguien
quarrel with someone
Similar words
regañar: Admonishes a child or subordinate firmly to correct misbehavior or enforce rules.
discutir: Engages in a reciprocal verbal dispute over opposing opinions.
confrontar: Directly confronts someone by expressing criticism or accusations about their conduct.
Definition in Spanish
Expresar reproche a otra persona con palabras por una falta, y asimismo referirse a cuando dos personas mantienen una pelea verbal.
Word origin
Derives from Latin rixa 'quarrel' via Vulgar Latin rixāre into the Iberian Romance languages, retaining the idea of verbal dispute and developing the sense of reproaching someone.
Usage tips
- The verb takes a before the person who is scolded, shows a present stem change in yo riño, and the reflexive reñirse marks a mutual quarrel rather than a one-sided scold.