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"Discutir" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to argue", and "regañar" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to scold". Learn more about the difference between "discutir" and "regañar" below.
discutir(
dees
-
koo
-
teer
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. to argue
Mi hermano y su esposa discuten todo el tiempo.My brother and his wife argue all the time.
a. to discuss
La pareja discutió con el sacerdote sobre sus votos.The couple discussed their vows with the priest.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
4. (to debate)
a. to discuss
Los panelistas discutieron el tema de la violencia en las escuelas.The panelists discussed the topic of violence in schools.
a. to challenge
Los senadores discutieron la decisión que había tomado el presidente.The senators challenged the decision made by the president.
b. to dispute
El general discutió el uso de las armas nucleares.The general disputed the use of nuclear weapons.
regañar(
rreh
-
gah
-
nyahr
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to scold
Su madre lo regañó por no llevar calcetines.His mother scolded him for not wearing socks.
b. to tell off (colloquial)
Me regañaron por no cerrar la puerta con llave.I was told off for not locking the door.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
2. (to argue)
a. to quarrel (formal)
La pareja regañó por la cuestión de cómo educar a su hijo.The couple quarreled over the question of how to bring up their son.
b. to fall out
Los amigos regañaron por un asunto que tenía que ver con un equipo de fútbol.The friends fell out over an issue having to do with a soccer team.
3. (old-fashioned) (to complain)
A word or phrase that is seldom used in contemporary language and is recognized as being from another decade, (e.g., cat, groovy).
a. to grumble
La mujer se marchó de la tienda regañando sobre los precios.The woman stormed out of the shop grumbling about the prices.
