Both can translate as 'discutir', but one is neutral and the other implies conflict.
Verb. To talk about a topic calmly, exchange ideas, or analyze something. No conflict implied.
Let's discuss the project plan.
Hablemos del plan del proyecto.
We discussed our travel plans over dinner.
Discutimos nuestros planes de viaje durante la cena.
The team needs to discuss the budget.
El equipo necesita discutir el presupuesto.
Verb. To debate with disagreement or conflict. Implies opposing positions, tension, or anger.
They argued about money for hours.
Discutieron sobre dinero durante horas.
Stop arguing! Try to find a solution.
¡Dejen de discutir! Intenten encontrar una solución.
She argued that the policy was unfair.
Ella argumentó que la política era injusta.
Common mistake
Using 'argue' for a calm, analytical conversation. Wrong: "We need to argue the new strategy." (correct: We need to discuss the new strategy.)
Trick to remember it
'Discuss' = calm exchange of ideas (meetings, classes, conversations). 'Argue' = disagreement and tension (a fight, a heated debate). Is there anger or opposing positions? Use 'argue'.
Quick rule
Is it a calm conversation to analyze something? Use 'discuss'. Is there disagreement and tension? Use 'argue'.
Did you know?
'Argue' has a neutral academic use: 'The author argues that...' means to present a reasoned position, not to fight. In academic writing, 'argue' simply means to make a case. Context always clarifies which meaning applies.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
Let's _____ the project plan before the meeting starts.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
They _____ about money all the time. It is destroying their relationship.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Is it a calm conversation to analyze something? Use 'discuss'. Is there disagreement and tension? Use 'argue'.
Using 'argue' for a calm, analytical conversation. Wrong: "We need to argue the new strategy." (correct: We need to discuss the new strategy.)
'Discuss' = calm exchange of ideas (meetings, classes, conversations). 'Argue' = disagreement and tension (a fight, a heated debate). Is there anger or opposing positions? Use 'argue'.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy