bregar

to struggle

to quarrel

bregar(breh-gahr)

intransitive verb

1. (to strive)

a. to struggle

Si queremos sobrevivir en este sector, vamos a tener que bregar contra grandes empresas.

If we are to survive in this industry, we'll have to struggle against large companies.

b. to fight

La teoría es muy bonita, pero es en las calles donde hay que bregar por nuestros derechos.

This is all well and good on paper, but we have to fight for our rights in the streets.

2. (to argue)

a. to quarrel

No creo que el matrimonio dure mucho, Juan y Ana se la pasan bregando todo el día.

I don't think their marriage is going to last long. Juan and Ana keep quarreling all the time.

3. (to labor)

a. to work hard

Si quieres resolver el problema, deja de llorar y ponte a bregar.

If you want to solve your problem, stop crying and start working hard!

b. to slog

Alba verdaderamente bregó para conseguir el ascenso, pero la van a despedir por recortes presupuestarios.

Alba really slogged to get promoted, but she's going to be dismissed due to budget cuts.

4. (to try to do something)

(Puerto Rico)

a. to work on

¿Qué hace, compaí? - Aquí, bregando con mi carro que no quiere prender.

What are you doing, man? - I'm working on the car. It doesn't want to start.

b. to deal with

No puedo hablar contigo ahora. Estoy bregando con los nenes que acaban de llegar de la escuela.

I can't talk to you now. I'm dealing with the kids who just got home from school.

5.

(colloquial)

(to engage in sexual acts)

(Puerto Rico)

a. to mess around

¿Viste a esos dos bregando en el parque de niños? Vámonos de aquí.

Did you see those two messing around in the playground? Let's get out of here.