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"Combatir" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to fight", and "pelearse" is a reciprocal verb which is also often translated as "to fight". Learn more about the difference between "combatir" and "pelearse" below.
combatir(
kohm
-
bah
-
teer
)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to fight
Nuestros soldados están muy cansados para combatir.Our soldiers are too weary to fight.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to fight
Combatió el cáncer por un año, pero lamentablemente falleció.She fought cancer for a year, but unfortunately she passed away.
b. to combat
Si combatimos al enemigo con este clima desfavorable, seremos derrotados.If we combat the enemy under this adverse weather, we will be defeated.
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pelearse(
peh
-
leh
-
ahr
-
seh
)
A reciprocal verb is a verb that indicates that two or more subjects perform an action on each other (e.g., Ellos se abrazan.).
reciprocal verb
a. to fight
Si se van a pelear, es mejor que lo hagan en el cuadrilátero.If you guys are going to fight, it's better if you do it in the ring.
pelear
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to fight
Niños, por favor, dejen de pelear.Children, please stop fighting.
a. to argue
No se llevan muy bien; siempre están peleando por algo.They don't get along very well; they're always arguing about something.
b. to fight
No voy a ponerme a pelear contigo; no vale la pena.I'm not going to fight with you; it's not worth it.
a. to struggle
Sol ha peleado durante años para mantener a su familia.Sol has struggled for years to support her family.
a. to compete
Las dos finalistas pelearon por la gloria en el concurso de comer perros calientes.The two finalists competed for glory in the hot dog eating contest.
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