Is "polémico" a good word for controversial?
I am writing the sentence, "Bullfighting is a very controversial sport."
2 Answers
Yes. You could use either "polémico" or "controvertido".
The adjective "controversial" means something that stirs up debate, disputes or quarrels between people of opposing opinions.
When you use the word polémica I believe that it usually refers to an argument regarding a decision, fact or claim; whereas, controvertido has a broader definition and would probably more likely be used with the idea of a sport being controversial. In regards to sports for instance you might read something like:
Un deporte controvertido es el Muay Thai en Tailandia, considerado más violento que el boxeo tradicional. - One controversial sport is Muay Thai in Thailand, considered more violent than traditional boxing.
You would probably see polémica used as a noun, however, in reference to the actual debate/discussion that the controversial sport has engendered. For example:
Muchas personas han denunciado este deporte controvertido y han dicho que es demasiado sanguinoso y violento. Además, la inauguración del nuevo estadio se ha avivado a la polémica.
Many people have condemned this controversial sport and have said that it is too bloody and violent. Furthermore, the opening of the new stadium has fueled the debate.
It probably would not be uncommon to see controversia used as a noun in the same way as la polémica, either.
