Pelearse vs. discutir
The Spanish language offers different words to express the action of arguing or quarrelling, such as 'pelearse' and 'discutir'. Both of these verbs have slight differences in their connotations, usage and intensity.
Pelearse
'Pelearse' generally refers to a physical fight or violent altercation, but it also can be used metaphorically for serious verbal arguments. It carries a stronger, more aggressive connotation than 'discutir'.
Los niños se pelean en el patio cada día.
(The kids fight in the yard every day.)
María y yo nos peleamos por el último trozo de pizza.
(Maria and I quarreled over the last piece of pizza.)
Los vecinos se estaban peleando tan fuerte que tuve que llamar a la policía.
(The neighbors were fighting so loudly that I had to call the police.)
Discutir
'Discutir' refers to verbal arguments or debates, usually implying some level of intellectual exchange or contradiction. It can range from casual disagreements to serious disputes but typically lacks the physical or aggressive connotation of 'pelearse'.
Vamos a discutir el tema en la próxima reunión.
(We are going to discuss the topic at the next meeting.)
Aunque discuten mucho, se respetan mutuamente.
(Even though they argue a lot, they respect each other..)
Tuvimos que discutir hasta llegar a un acuerdo.
(We had to argue until we came to an agreement.)
Summary
While both 'pelearse' and 'discutir' refer to some form of dispute or disagreement, 'pelearse' generally conveys a more intense and potentially physical conflict, whereas 'discutir' typically refers to a verbal argument or debate where opposing ideas are discussed..