Discusión vs. pelea vs. disputa vs. riña
The Spanish verbs, 'discusión', 'pelea', 'disputa', 'riña' all generally refer to disagreements but each has unique connotations. Understanding these variations can help better translate and interpret meanings.
Discusión
'Discusión' usually refers to a verbal exchange of contradicting perspectives or views. The tone can range from calm and respectful to heated and impassioned, but it generally suggests a more sophisticated disagreement than a fight or brawl.
Tuvimos una larga discusión sobre política.
(We had a long discussion about politics.)
La discusión entre los dos académicos fue intensa.
(The discussion between the two academicians was intense.)
Pelea
'Pelea' commonly implies a physical fight but it can also refer to verbal conflicts. This word has a stronger, harsher tone compared to 'discusión'. It indicates an argument where tempers have flared into hostility, possibly including physical violence.
Los niños estaban en una pelea en el patio de la escuela.
(The kids were in a fight in the schoolyard.)
Después de una gran pelea, finalmente se separaron.
(After a big fight, they finally broke up.)
Disputa
'Disputa' often emphasizes disagreement or contention over specific issues or matters and is generally used in more formal contexts. It could be between individuals, groups, or nations.
Las dos partes no pueden resolver la disputa territorial.
(The two sides can't resolve the territorial dispute.)
Están en permanente disputa por la custodia de sus hijos.
(They are in a permanent dispute for custody of their children.)
Riña
'Riña' suggests a mix of verbal and physical fight usually among friends or family members that might not be as serious as a full-blown fight. It's less formal and often used casual conversations.
Los hermanos tuvieron una riña por el último trozo de pastel.
(The brothers had a quarrel over the last piece of cake.)
Riña entre amigos puede acabar incluso en risas o bromas.
(A quarrel among friends can even end in laughter or jokes.)
Summary
'Discusión', 'pelea', 'disputa', and 'riña' all denote forms of disagreements among parties. While 'discusión' refers more to exchanges of contradicted views that may be calm or heated, 'pelea' harbors hostility with physical assertion. 'Disputa' leans towards disputes over matters especially in formal settings, while 'riña' incites a light-hearted conflict typically amongst those familiar with each other.