conflictivo
conflictivo in 30 Sekunden
- Conflictivo means troublemaking or contentious.
- It describes people, places, or topics that cause friction.
- It is NOT the same as the English 'conflicted' (internal struggle).
- It is a common professional term in education, law, and news.
The Spanish adjective conflictivo is a versatile and essential term for anyone moving into intermediate Spanish (B1). At its core, it describes something or someone that inherently tends to produce conflict, disagreement, or friction. Unlike the English word 'conflicted' (which often describes an internal struggle), conflictivo is usually external. It describes a person who picks fights, a neighborhood where trouble is common, or a topic that makes everyone argue. Understanding this word requires looking at its Latin roots in 'conflictus', meaning a striking together or a clash. In modern Spanish, it is used to label the source of a problem before the problem even fully manifests.
- Social Context
- It is frequently used in educational and psychological settings to describe students or patients who struggle with social norms. A 'alumno conflictivo' isn't just someone who fails tests; they are someone who disrupts the harmony of the classroom.
Ese es un barrio conflictivo por la noche, mejor evítalo.
When applied to situations, it takes on a meaning closer to 'problematic' or 'contentious'. For example, in a business meeting, a 'punto conflictivo' is a specific agenda item that the speaker knows will cause heated debate. It signals to the listeners that they should prepare for a difficult conversation. It is an objective way to describe a subjective mess. You might hear a news reporter describe a 'zona conflictiva' in a war-torn region or a border area where tensions are high. In these cases, it doesn't just mean 'bad'; it means 'prone to active clashing'.
- Workplace Usage
- In HR or management, a 'perfil conflictivo' refers to an employee who may have the skills but creates a toxic environment. It is a serious label that can affect one's career trajectory.
No queremos contratar a alguien con un historial conflictivo.
Furthermore, the word can be used for abstract concepts. A 'divorcio conflictivo' isn't just a breakup; it's a legal battle where neither party agrees on anything. A 'tema conflictivo' in politics might be something like taxes or immigration. In all these uses, the word acts as a warning sign. It tells the listener: 'Expect resistance here'. It is a powerful adjective because it encapsulates the potential for trouble before it even happens.
- Geopolitical nuance
- International relations experts use 'regiones conflictivas' to describe areas like the Middle East or specific borders in Eastern Europe where peace is fragile.
La herencia se convirtió en un asunto muy conflictivo para la familia.
Es un cliente conflictivo que siempre pide devoluciones sin motivo.
Using conflictivo correctly involves matching it in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Since it ends in '-o', it follows the standard pattern: conflictivo (masculine singular), conflictiva (feminine singular), conflictivos (masculine plural), and conflictivas (feminine plural). It almost always follows the noun it modifies, which is the typical position for descriptive adjectives in Spanish that provide distinguishing information.
- People as Subjects
- When describing a person, we usually use the verb 'ser' because 'conflictivo' is seen as a personality trait or a consistent behavioral pattern. For example, 'Él es un chico conflictivo'. If you used 'estar', it would imply they are being difficult just at this moment, which is less common for this specific word.
Las reuniones con el sindicato suelen ser conflictivas.
In professional contexts, you will often see it paired with nouns like 'ambiente' (environment), 'relación' (relationship), or 'proceso' (process). For instance, 'un ambiente laboral conflictivo' describes an office where people are constantly arguing or undermining each other. Notice how the adjective provides a deep qualitative assessment of the noun. It's not just a 'busy' office; it's one defined by strife.
- Abstract Issues
- When talking about topics, use it to warn about controversy. 'El aborto es un tema conflictivo en muchos países'. Here, it functions as a synonym for 'controversial' or 'contentious'.
Tuvimos que abandonar la zona conflictiva antes del anochecer.
Another common structure is using it with 'punto'. A 'punto conflictivo' can be a physical location (like a dangerous intersection) or a metaphorical point in a negotiation (a 'sticking point'). If you are negotiating a contract and reach the part about salaries, you might say: 'Este es el punto más conflictivo del contrato'. This alerts the other party that this is where the real work begins.
- Plural Agreement
- Remember to pluralize. 'Estos temas son conflictivos' (These topics are contentious). 'Esas zonas son conflictivas' (Those zones are troubled).
No me gusta tratar con clientes conflictivos.
La situación política se ha vuelto muy conflictiva este mes.
In the real world, conflictivo is a staple of news broadcasts, police reports, and documentaries. If you turn on the news in Madrid or Mexico City, you might hear a reporter describing a 'manifestación conflictiva' (a protest that turned violent or confrontational). It is the standard professional term for describing social unrest or problematic urban areas without using overly emotional or slangy language. In this context, it carries a weight of authority and observation.
- The Newsroom
- Journalists use it to describe international borders or 'puntos calientes' (hotspots). 'La frontera sigue siendo un punto conflictivo entre ambas naciones'.
La policía intervino en un barrio conflictivo de la periferia.
In daily life, you'll hear it in schools. Teachers use it in staff meetings to discuss 'alumnos conflictivos'. Here, it’s a bit of a euphemism; instead of saying 'that kid is a nightmare', they say 'es un alumno con un perfil conflictivo'. It sounds more clinical and professional. Similarly, in the corporate world, if a manager says a project is 'conflictivo', they are warning you that there are too many stakeholders with opposing interests, and the project is likely to stall or cause stress.
- Public Administration
- City planners use it for traffic. A 'punto conflictivo de tráfico' is an intersection where accidents happen frequently or where congestion is a constant headache.
Evita esa rotonda, es un punto conflictivo a esta hora.
You will also encounter it in legal dramas or real court cases. 'Un divorcio conflictivo' is a specific term for a contested divorce where the parties cannot agree on custody or assets. If you are watching a Spanish TV series like 'Elite' or 'La Casa de Papel', characters might describe a situation or a newcomer as 'conflictivo' to signal that this person is going to stir the pot and cause drama. It is a word that sets expectations for future trouble.
- Entertainment & Media
- Movie critics use it to describe 'personajes conflictivos'—characters who are morally ambiguous or who constantly clash with others, making the plot move forward.
Es una película sobre la relación entre un padre y su hijo conflictivo.
El debate sobre la reforma fue muy conflictivo en el parlamento.
One of the most frequent errors English speakers make is using conflictivo as a direct translation for the English word 'conflicted'. In English, if you say 'I am conflicted about this decision', you mean you are experiencing an internal struggle or are undecided. In Spanish, you cannot say 'Estoy conflictivo'. That would sound like you are saying 'I am a person who causes trouble', which is probably not what you mean. Instead, for 'conflicted', you should use 'tengo sentimientos encontrados' or 'estoy indeciso'.
- Conflicted vs. Conflictivo
- English: 'I'm conflicted' (Internal). Spanish: 'Conflictivo' (External source of trouble). They are false friends in this specific psychological context.
Wrong: Estoy conflictivo sobre mi trabajo.
Correct: Tengo dudas sobre mi trabajo.
Another mistake is overusing the word where 'problemático' or 'difícil' might be more appropriate. While conflictivo implies a clash or an argument, 'problemático' just means something causes problems. A broken computer is 'problemática', but it is not 'conflictiva' because a computer cannot argue or engage in social conflict. Reserve conflictivo for people, social situations, or abstract topics that provoke disagreement. Using it for inanimate objects that simply don't work is a common 'anglicism' or just a misuse of the nuance.
- Inanimate Objects
- Don't use it for things that just break. Use it for things that cause human friction. A 'ley conflictiva' (a contentious law) is correct because people fight over it.
Mi coche es conflictivo (Incorrect if you mean it breaks down).
Mi coche es problemático (Correct).
Lastly, be careful with the intensity. Calling someone 'conflictivo' is a strong statement. It is not just saying they are 'annoying' (pesado) or 'grumpy' (malhumorado). It suggests they are a source of active trouble. If you use it too lightly, you might offend someone more than intended. It’s a label often found in official documents, so using it in a casual conversation about a friend who is just a bit late might be seen as an exaggeration or a sign that you don't fully grasp the weight of the word.
- Gender Agreement Errors
- Beginners often forget to change the ending for feminine nouns. 'Una situación conflictivO' is a common error. It must be 'Una situación conflictivA'.
Ella es una persona muy conflictiva en la oficina.
Esos perros son conflictivos, siempre ladran a los demás.
To truly master conflictivo, you should know how it compares to its synonyms. Each word carries a slightly different shade of meaning. For example, polémico is often used for topics that spark public debate. While a 'tema conflictivo' implies people might fight over it, a 'tema polémico' simply means there are many differing opinions. 'Polémico' is usually less negative than 'conflictivo'.
- Conflictivo vs. Polémico
- Conflictivo: Causes trouble/fights.
Polémico: Causes debate/controversy.
Example: A movie can be 'polémica' (controversial) without being 'conflictiva' (causing actual conflict).
El artículo fue polémico, pero no generó un ambiente conflictivo.
Another close relative is problemático. This is a broader term. All 'conflictivo' things are 'problemáticos', but not all 'problemático' things are 'conflictivos'. A 'niño problemático' might just have learning difficulties, whereas a 'niño conflictivo' specifically fights with other kids. In a technical sense, a 'software problemático' has bugs, but it isn't 'conflictivo' unless it causes the dev team to scream at each other.
- Conflictivo vs. Problemático
- Conflictivo: Active friction.
Problemático: General difficulty.
Example: A 'barrio conflictivo' is dangerous; a 'barrio problemático' might just have bad plumbing.
Tenemos un vecino conflictivo que siempre llama a la policía por nada.
You might also encounter controvertido, which is a near-perfect synonym for 'controversial'. It is more formal than 'conflictivo'. If you are writing an academic paper, 'un asunto controvertido' sounds better than 'un asunto conflictivo'. Lastly, belicoso or pendenciero are more extreme. 'Belicoso' means warlike or aggressive, and 'pendenciero' specifically describes someone who loves to get into physical brawls (a 'bar-fighter' type).
- Conflictivo vs. Pendenciero
- Conflictivo: General tendency toward trouble.
Pendenciero: Specifically looking for a fight.
Example: He is 'conflictivo' at work (drama) but 'pendenciero' at the bar (punches).
Es un asunto controvertido que requiere un análisis profundo.
Su actitud belicosa asustó a los inversores.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
The root 'fligere' is also found in the English word 'flog' (to whip) and the Spanish word 'afligir' (to afflict/cause pain).
Aussprachehilfe
- Stressing the first syllable (CON-flic-ti-vo) like the English noun 'conflict'.
- Pronouncing the 'c' as 's' (son-flic-ti-vo).
- Forgetting to pronounce the 'v' clearly (it sounds like a soft 'b' in Spanish).
- Pronouncing the 'i' as 'ai' (con-flic-tai-vo).
- Missing the 'n' in the first syllable.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Easy to recognize because of the English cognate 'conflict'.
Requires correct gender/number agreement and avoiding the 'conflicted' trap.
The four syllables require some practice to flow naturally in conversation.
Usually pronounced clearly in news and formal contexts.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Adjective Agreement
La zona (fem) es conflictiva (fem). Los temas (masc) son conflictivos (masc).
Ser vs. Estar
Él es conflictivo (personality trait). *Note: Estar is rarely used with this word.*
Placement of Adjectives
Un barrio conflictivo (descriptive/distinguishing, follows the noun).
Adverbial Modification
Una situación extremadamente conflictiva.
Nominalization
El conflictivo (the troublemaker) fue expulsado de la sala.
Beispiele nach Niveau
El niño no es malo, pero es un poco conflictivo.
The boy is not bad, but he is a bit troublemaking.
Adjective follows the noun 'niño'.
Mi gato es muy conflictivo con otros animales.
My cat is very troublemaking with other animals.
Use 'ser' for personality traits.
Esa calle es conflictiva por la noche.
That street is troubled at night.
Feminine agreement with 'calle'.
No quiero amigos conflictivos.
I don't want troublemaking friends.
Plural masculine agreement.
El perro de Juan es conflictivo.
Juan's dog is troublemaking.
Subject + verb 'ser' + adjective.
Es una zona muy conflictiva.
It is a very troubled area.
Adjective modifying feminine noun 'zona'.
Ella no es conflictiva en clase.
She is not troublemaking in class.
Negative sentence with 'no'.
Los vecinos son conflictivos.
The neighbors are troublemaking.
Plural subject and verb.
Este es un barrio conflictivo y hay que tener cuidado.
This is a troubled neighborhood and one must be careful.
Common collocation 'barrio conflictivo'.
Tuvimos una reunión muy conflictiva ayer.
We had a very contentious meeting yesterday.
Feminine singular agreement.
No me gustan los temas conflictivos en la cena.
I don't like contentious topics at dinner.
Plural masculine agreement.
El divorcio de mis tíos fue muy conflictivo.
My aunt and uncle's divorce was very contentious.
Adjective modifying 'divorcio'.
Es un cliente conflictivo que siempre se queja.
He is a difficult customer who always complains.
Used to describe a person's behavior.
Las zonas conflictivas están marcadas en el mapa.
The troubled zones are marked on the map.
Plural feminine agreement.
Tengo un hermano conflictivo.
I have a troublemaking brother.
Noun-adjective pair.
Su actitud es conflictiva a veces.
His/Her attitude is troublemaking sometimes.
Adjective modifying 'actitud'.
El ambiente en la oficina se ha vuelto muy conflictivo.
The atmosphere in the office has become very contentious.
Use of 'volverse' to show a change in state.
Es un tema conflictivo que genera mucha discusión.
It's a contentious topic that generates a lot of discussion.
Relative clause 'que genera...'.
La empresa quiere evitar empleados conflictivos.
The company wants to avoid troublemaking employees.
Infinitive 'evitar' followed by direct object.
Ese punto del contrato es el más conflictivo.
That point of the contract is the most contentious one.
Superlative construction 'el más...'.
Los adolescentes a veces pasan por una etapa conflictiva.
Teenagers sometimes go through a troublemaking stage.
Agreement with 'etapa'.
No seas conflictivo y acepta el trato.
Don't be troublemaking and accept the deal.
Imperative 'no seas'.
La relación entre los dos países es conflictiva.
The relationship between the two countries is contentious.
Adjective modifying 'relación'.
Es difícil trabajar con un jefe conflictivo.
It is difficult to work with a troublemaking boss.
Preposition 'con' followed by noun phrase.
La gestión de alumnos conflictivos requiere mucha paciencia.
Managing troublemaking students requires a lot of patience.
Noun 'gestión' followed by 'de' and a noun phrase.
Se trata de un asunto altamente conflictivo para el gobierno.
It is a highly contentious matter for the government.
Adverb 'altamente' modifying the adjective.
El reparto de la herencia resultó ser muy conflictivo.
The distribution of the inheritance turned out to be very contentious.
Verb 'resultar ser' meaning 'to turn out to be'.
Evita usar un lenguaje conflictivo durante la negociación.
Avoid using contentious language during the negotiation.
Imperative 'evita' + infinitive.
La frontera es un punto conflictivo debido al contrabando.
The border is a troubled spot due to smuggling.
Compound sentence with 'debido a'.
Su pasado conflictivo le impide conseguir ciertos trabajos.
His/Her troubled past prevents him/her from getting certain jobs.
Subject 'pasado conflictivo' triggers third person singular verb.
Las reformas laborales suelen ser procesos conflictivos.
Labor reforms tend to be contentious processes.
Adjective modifying 'procesos'.
Estamos en una situación política muy conflictiva.
We are in a very contentious political situation.
Prepositional phrase 'en una situación...'.
La naturaleza conflictiva del ser humano es un tema recurrente.
The contentious nature of the human being is a recurring theme.
Abstract noun modified by adjective.
El informe destaca el carácter conflictivo de la zona fronteriza.
The report highlights the troubled character of the border zone.
Verb 'destacar' (to highlight).
Se ha detectado un perfil conflictivo en el nuevo sospechoso.
A troublemaking profile has been detected in the new suspect.
Passive voice 'Se ha detectado'.
La mediación es necesaria en entornos tan conflictivos.
Mediation is necessary in such contentious environments.
Adverb 'tan' (so) modifying the adjective.
El autor analiza la dialéctica conflictiva de la modernidad.
The author analyzes the contentious dialectic of modernity.
Academic register.
No podemos ignorar la realidad conflictiva de estos barrios.
We cannot ignore the troubled reality of these neighborhoods.
Negative modal 'No podemos'.
Su intervención fue vista como innecesariamente conflictiva.
His/Her intervention was seen as unnecessarily contentious.
Adverb 'innecesariamente' modifying the adjective.
El sindicato denunció el ambiente conflictivo de la fábrica.
The union denounced the contentious atmosphere of the factory.
Past tense 'denunció'.
La resolución de este litigio conflictivo sentará un precedente.
The resolution of this contentious litigation will set a precedent.
Legal terminology 'litigio conflictivo'.
Asistimos a una reconfiguración conflictiva del orden mundial.
We are witnessing a contentious reconfiguration of the world order.
Present tense 'asistimos' meaning 'we are witnessing'.
El filósofo aborda la coexistencia conflictiva de valores opuestos.
The philosopher addresses the contentious coexistence of opposing values.
Formal verb 'abordar'.
La trama se sustenta en la psique conflictiva del protagonista.
The plot is based on the troubled psyche of the protagonist.
Pronominal verb 'sustentarse en'.
La cumbre terminó sin acuerdo debido a posturas conflictivas.
The summit ended without agreement due to contentious positions.
Noun phrase 'posturas conflictivas'.
Existe una relación conflictiva entre el arte y el mercado.
There is a contentious relationship between art and the market.
Existence verb 'Existe'.
El despliegue militar en la zona conflictiva fue criticado.
The military deployment in the troubled zone was criticized.
Passive voice 'fue criticado'.
Es imperativo mitigar los focos conflictivos de la región.
It is imperative to mitigate the troubled hotspots of the region.
Formal structure 'Es imperativo' + infinitive.
Synonyme
Gegenteile
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— To be a source or center of conflict. It is used when one thing causes many problems.
Esa discoteca es un foco conflictivo en el barrio.
— To stay away from trouble or arguments. A common piece of advice.
Mi estrategia es evitar situaciones conflictivas en el trabajo.
— The act of managing difficult groups. Common in social work or teaching.
Es experta en la gestión de grupos conflictivos.
— A very contentious matter. Used to emphasize how hard a topic is.
El uso del agua es un asunto muy conflictivo aquí.
— A person who is difficult to deal with. A polite way to say someone is troublesome.
Es una persona de trato conflictivo, ten paciencia.
— A history of causing trouble. Often used in legal or school records.
El perro tiene un historial conflictivo con otros canes.
— A tense or troublesome atmosphere. Similar to 'ambiente'.
Hay un clima conflictivo antes de las elecciones.
— A viewpoint that clashes with others. Used in intellectual debates.
Presentó un punto de vista conflictivo que nadie esperaba.
— A troubled area. Used for both geography and abstract domains.
Las finanzas son el área conflictiva de la familia.
— A process marked by struggle and disagreement.
La transición fue un proceso conflictivo para la nación.
Wird oft verwechselt mit
English speakers use 'conflicted' for internal struggle. Spanish uses 'confundido' or 'indeciso', NOT 'conflictivo'.
Problemático is general; conflictivo specifically involves clashes and arguments.
Controversial is an English word; the Spanish equivalent is 'controvertido' or 'polémico'.
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— To provoke someone or try to start a conflict intentionally.
No me busques las cosquillas, que hoy no tengo paciencia.
informal— To be the black sheep, often implying being the troublemaker of the family.
Siempre fue la oveja negra y el más conflictivo de los hermanos.
neutral— To get involved in a complicated or conflictive situation that doesn't concern you.
No te metas en camisas de once varas con ese tema conflictivo.
informal— To make a conflictive situation even worse by adding more tension.
Sus palabras solo sirvieron para echar leña al fuego en el debate.
neutral— To be in a difficult, conflictive position with no easy way out.
Esa decisión conflictiva me puso entre la espada y la pared.
neutral— To bring up old, conflictive secrets during an argument.
En la reunión empezaron a sacar los trapos sucios y todo se volvió conflictivo.
informal— To cause a huge, very loud and conflictive scene or argument.
Se armó la de Dios es Cristo cuando mencionaron el dinero.
informal— To run away from a conflictive or dangerous situation.
Vimos que la pelea se volvía conflictiva y pusimos pies en polvorosa.
informal— To act like the victim in a conflictive situation to gain sympathy.
Él es el conflictivo, pero siempre termina haciéndose la víctima.
neutral— To speak directly and bluntly, which often leads to conflictive situations.
Como no tiene pelos en la lengua, siempre acaba en temas conflictivos.
informalLeicht verwechselbar
Both involve disagreement.
Polémico is about debate and opinions; conflictivo is about friction and trouble.
Una película polémica (causes debate); un rodaje conflictivo (the actors fought).
Both describe hard people or things.
Difícil is broad; conflictivo is specifically about causing conflict.
Un examen difícil (hard to pass); un alumno conflictivo (fights with others).
Both imply aggression.
Belicoso is much stronger, often used for war or extreme hostility.
Un país belicoso (ready for war); un vecino conflictivo (annoying and argumentative).
Both describe annoying people.
Pesado means boring or annoying (a 'drag'); conflictivo means they cause actual trouble.
Es un pesado (he talks too much); es un conflictivo (he starts fights).
Conflictivo people are often aggressive.
Agresivo is the action; conflictivo is the tendency or the nature of the situation.
Un perro agresivo (attacks); un barrio conflictivo (prone to trouble).
Satzmuster
El/La [noun] es conflictivo/a.
El perro es conflictivo.
Vivo en un/una [noun] conflictivo/a.
Vivo en un barrio conflictivo.
Es un tema conflictivo que [verb].
Es un tema conflictivo que causa peleas.
No quiero [verb] con gente conflictiva.
No quiero trabajar con gente conflictiva.
Debido a su carácter conflictivo, [result].
Debido a su carácter conflictivo, perdió el empleo.
Se trata de una situación altamente conflictiva.
Se trata de una situación altamente conflictiva para la paz.
La naturaleza conflictiva de [concept] es evidente.
La naturaleza conflictiva de la reforma es evidente.
Abordar los focos conflictivos de [context] es prioridad.
Abordar los focos conflictivos de la región es prioridad.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Common in media, professional reports, and social discussions.
-
Estoy conflictivo sobre mi futuro.
→
Tengo dudas sobre mi futuro.
You are using the English 'conflicted'. In Spanish, 'conflictivo' means you are a troublemaker.
-
Es una zona conflictivo.
→
Es una zona conflictiva.
The adjective must agree with the feminine noun 'zona'.
-
El ordenador es conflictivo.
→
El ordenador es problemático.
Inanimate objects that break are 'problemáticos', not 'conflictivos' (unless they cause a fight).
-
Ellos son muy conflictivo.
→
Ellos son muy conflictivos.
Plural nouns require plural adjectives.
-
Es un tema polémico y conflictivo.
→
Es un tema polémico / conflictivo.
While you can use both, make sure you know the difference. Polémico = debate; Conflictivo = friction.
Tipps
Build Word Pairs
Learn 'conflictivo' with its common partners: 'barrio conflictivo', 'alumno conflictivo', and 'tema conflictivo'. This makes it easier to remember and use correctly in context.
Gender Check
Always check the noun before you say the word. If you're talking about 'una zona', make sure you say 'conflictiva'. If it's 'un grupo', say 'conflictivo'.
Avoid the False Friend
Never use 'estoy conflictivo' to mean 'I am conflicted'. Use 'tengo dudas' or 'estoy indeciso' instead to avoid sounding like you're calling yourself a troublemaker.
Workplace Spanish
Use 'un ambiente laboral conflictivo' to describe a toxic workplace. It’s a very common and professional way to express that there are too many interpersonal problems at work.
Travel Safety
If a local tells you a place is 'conflictivo', take it seriously. It usually means the area has a lot of social tension, crime, or police activity.
Vary Your Synonyms
If you find yourself using 'conflictivo' too much, try 'polémico' for debates, 'problemático' for general issues, or 'difícil' for people.
News Keywords
When listening to the news, 'conflictivo' is a keyword that tells you a situation is getting worse or involves a lot of disagreement.
The 'V' Sound
Remember that the 'v' in 'conflictivo' is pronounced like a soft 'b'. Don't bite your lip like you do for an English 'v'.
Intensity
Recognize that 'conflictivo' is stronger than 'difícil'. Calling a child 'conflictivo' is a serious label that suggests they actively disrupt others.
Conflict-Active
Just remember: Conflict + Active = Conflictivo. Someone who is actively seeking conflict.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of a 'CONFLICT' that is 'ACTIVE' (-ivo). If a person is conflict-active, they are conflictivo.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a red warning sign over a person's head or a neighborhood entrance. The sign says 'CONFLICTIVO' in bold letters.
Word Web
Herausforderung
Try to identify one 'tema conflictivo' in the news today and write a sentence about it in Spanish using the word.
Wortherkunft
From the Latin 'conflictus', which is the past participle of 'confligere' (to strike together, to clash). It is composed of the prefix 'con-' (together) and 'fligere' (to strike).
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: A physical clashing or striking together of objects.
Romance (Latin root).Kultureller Kontext
Be careful when labeling people 'conflictivo', as it can be seen as a permanent judgment of their character.
English speakers often use 'difficult' or 'troubled' where Spanish speakers prefer 'conflictivo'.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
School/Education
- alumno conflictivo
- conducta conflictiva
- aula conflictiva
- gestión de conflictos
City/Neighborhood
- barrio conflictivo
- zona conflictiva
- punto conflictivo de tráfico
- seguridad ciudadana
Workplace
- ambiente laboral conflictivo
- compañero conflictivo
- relación profesional conflictiva
- reunión conflictiva
Politics/News
- tema conflictivo
- situación conflictiva
- ley conflictiva
- región conflictiva
Family/Personal
- divorcio conflictivo
- pariente conflictivo
- herencia conflictiva
- carácter conflictivo
Gesprächseinstiege
"¿Crees que hay algún tema conflictivo que no se deba tocar en una primera cita?"
"¿Alguna vez has vivido en un barrio conflictivo o siempre has estado en zonas tranquilas?"
"¿Cómo manejas a un compañero de trabajo que es especialmente conflictivo?"
"¿Cuál es el punto más conflictivo de la política actual en tu país?"
"¿Crees que las redes sociales hacen que la gente sea más conflictiva?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Describe una situación conflictiva que viviste recientemente y cómo lograste resolverla sin pelear.
Escribe sobre un personaje de un libro o película que tenga un carácter conflictivo y cómo afecta a la trama.
¿Qué medidas crees que debería tomar una escuela para ayudar a los alumnos conflictivos a mejorar?
Reflexiona sobre un tema conflictivo en tu sociedad. ¿Por qué crees que causa tanta división?
Imagina que eres un mediador en un divorcio conflictivo. ¿Qué consejos les darías a las dos partes?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNo, that is a common mistake. If you are 'conflicted' in English (having mixed feelings), you should say 'tengo sentimientos encontrados' or 'estoy indeciso'. 'Conflictivo' always refers to someone or something that causes external trouble or arguments.
Yes, it is almost always negative. It labels a person, place, or thing as a source of trouble or friction. While it can be used objectively in professional reports, it is rarely a compliment.
They are very similar. 'Peligroso' means dangerous (crime, violence). 'Conflictivo' means there is a lot of social friction, which often leads to danger, but it specifically highlights the clashing of people or groups.
You simply add an 's'. If the group is all male or mixed, use 'conflictivos'. If the group is all female, use 'conflictivas'. For example: 'Esas situaciones son conflictivas'.
Usually, no. You wouldn't call a broken chair 'conflictiva'. However, an object can be 'conflictivo' if it is the *cause* of a fight, like 'la herencia conflictiva' (the contentious inheritance) or 'un cuadro conflictivo' if people are arguing over who owns it.
It is used equally in both. It is a standard Spanish word found in all dialects, especially in news, education, and legal contexts.
The most common verb is 'ser' because it describes a characteristic. You can also use 'resultar' (to result in being) or 'volverse' (to become).
The noun form is 'conflictividad'. It is often used in terms like 'conflictividad social' or 'conflictividad laboral' to describe the level of unrest in a society or workplace.
It is neutral to formal. You can use it in a casual conversation, but it is also perfectly appropriate for a police report, a news article, or a psychological evaluation.
It often implies violence or the threat of it, especially when describing a 'zona conflictiva' or a 'manifestación conflictiva', but its primary meaning is about the clash and disagreement itself.
Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen
Escribe una frase sobre un vecino que siempre causa problemas.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe un tema que cause muchas discusiones en tu país.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
¿Por qué es difícil trabajar en un ambiente laboral conflictivo?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Escribe un consejo para alguien que va a visitar un barrio conflictivo.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe el carácter de un personaje conflictivo de una película.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
¿Qué diferencia hay entre un tema polémico y uno conflictivo?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Escribe una frase usando 'zona conflictiva'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Imagina que eres profesor. ¿Cómo describirías a un alumno que pelea?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
¿Cómo ha cambiado una situación conflictiva en tu vida?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Usa 'conflictivo' para hablar de un cruce de calles peligroso.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Escribe sobre una herencia que causó problemas en una familia.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
¿Qué es para ti una 'relación conflictiva'?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Escribe una frase formal para un informe de recursos humanos.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
¿Crees que el mundo es más conflictivo ahora que antes?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Usa el plural femenino 'conflictivas' en una frase.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Crea una frase con 'altamente conflictivo'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Describe un día en una oficina con un ambiente conflictivo.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Escribe una frase sobre un perro conflictivo.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
¿Qué harías si vivieras en un barrio conflictivo?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Usa 'perfil conflictivo' en una frase sobre seguridad.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
¿Cómo describirías a una persona conflictiva?
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
¿Has tenido alguna vez un compañero de clase conflictivo?
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
¿Qué temas crees que son conflictivos en tu familia?
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
¿Qué harías si trabajaras en un ambiente laboral conflictivo?
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
¿Por qué crees que algunos barrios se vuelven conflictivos?
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe una situación conflictiva que hayas visto en las noticias.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
¿Cómo se puede evitar ser una persona conflictiva?
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
¿Es 'conflictivo' una palabra fuerte en tu opinión?
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
¿Qué piensas de los perros que son conflictivos?
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
¿Cuál es el punto más conflictivo de aprender español para ti?
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
¿Crees que la tecnología nos hace más conflictivos?
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Usa 'conflictivo' en una frase sobre un divorcio.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
¿Qué es una 'zona conflictiva' en tu ciudad?
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
¿Cómo manejas un tema conflictivo con un amigo?
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
¿Qué significa para ti 'paz social' frente a 'conflictividad'?
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Pronuncia la palabra 'conflictivo' tres veces.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
¿Es mejor ser conciliador o conflictivo?
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe un 'historial conflictivo' imaginario.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
¿Por qué un cliente puede ser conflictivo?
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Usa el plural 'conflictivos' en una frase sobre vecinos.
Read this aloud:
Du hast gesagt:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Escucha: 'El reporte indica que es un área conflictiva'. ¿De qué tipo de área se habla?
Escucha: 'No seas conflictivo, por favor'. ¿Qué le están pidiendo a la persona?
Escucha: 'Es un tema altamente conflictivo en el parlamento'. ¿Dónde es el tema un problema?
Escucha: 'El ambiente laboral se volvió conflictivo tras los despidos'. ¿Cuándo cambió el ambiente?
Escucha: 'Tenemos un alumno conflictivo en el grupo de tercero'. ¿En qué grupo está el alumno?
Escucha: 'La herencia fue el punto más conflictivo'. ¿Qué causó el mayor problema?
Escucha: 'Evite las zonas conflictivas de la frontera'. ¿Qué debe evitar el oyente?
Escucha: 'Su carácter conflictivo lo alejó de su familia'. ¿Qué efecto tuvo su carácter?
Escucha: 'Fue un divorcio largo y conflictivo'. ¿Cómo fue el divorcio?
Escucha: 'No me gustan los vecinos conflictivos'. ¿Qué tipo de vecinos prefiere el hablante?
Escucha: 'El informe destaca la naturaleza conflictiva de la protesta'. ¿De qué habla el informe?
Escucha: 'Es un perro conflictivo con otros machos'. ¿Con quién tiene problemas el perro?
Escucha: 'La situación política es cada vez más conflictiva'. ¿Mejora o empeora la situación?
Escucha: 'Buscamos un perfil menos conflictivo para este puesto'. ¿Qué tipo de persona buscan?
Escucha: 'Ese cruce es un punto conflictivo de accidentes'. ¿Qué pasa en ese cruce?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'conflictivo' is your go-to adjective for identifying the source of external trouble. Whether it's a 'vecino conflictivo' (troublesome neighbor) or a 'tema conflictivo' (contentious topic), it always points to active or potential clashing between people or groups.
- Conflictivo means troublemaking or contentious.
- It describes people, places, or topics that cause friction.
- It is NOT the same as the English 'conflicted' (internal struggle).
- It is a common professional term in education, law, and news.
Build Word Pairs
Learn 'conflictivo' with its common partners: 'barrio conflictivo', 'alumno conflictivo', and 'tema conflictivo'. This makes it easier to remember and use correctly in context.
Gender Check
Always check the noun before you say the word. If you're talking about 'una zona', make sure you say 'conflictiva'. If it's 'un grupo', say 'conflictivo'.
Avoid the False Friend
Never use 'estoy conflictivo' to mean 'I am conflicted'. Use 'tengo dudas' or 'estoy indeciso' instead to avoid sounding like you're calling yourself a troublemaker.
Workplace Spanish
Use 'un ambiente laboral conflictivo' to describe a toxic workplace. It’s a very common and professional way to express that there are too many interpersonal problems at work.
Beispiel
Tenía una relación conflictiva con su hermano mayor.
Verwandte Inhalte
Mehr family Wörter
abrazarse
B1Sich gegenseitig umarmen; sich umarmen. Es beschreibt, wenn sich zwei oder mehr Personen gleichzeitig umarmen. Die Freunde umarmten sich.
Abuela
A1Meine Großmutter (abuela) erzählt mir oft Geschichten.
Abuelo
A1Der Vater deines Vaters oder deiner Mutter. Mein Großvater hat dieses Haus vor vielen Jahren gebaut.
abuelo/a
A2Der Großvater oder die Großmutter. Meine abuela kocht sehr gut.
acariciar
B1Sanft und liebevoll streicheln oder liebkosen. Bsp: Sie streichelt ihre Katze; Die Brise liebkost ihr Gesicht.
acoger
B1Jemanden herzlich aufnehmen oder willkommen heißen.
acunar
B1To cradle; to hold gently in one's arms.
adolescente
A2Ein Jugendlicher ist eine Person im Alter zwischen Kindheit und Erwachsenenalter.
adopción
B1Adoption ist die rechtliche Annahme eines Kindes als eigenes.
adoptado
B1Adoptiert bedeutet, dass jemand rechtlich in eine Familie aufgenommen wurde. Es beschreibt jemanden, der kein biologisches Kind ist, aber ein gesetzliches Familienmitglied geworden ist. Adoptiert beschreibt eine Person oder ein Tier, das rechtlich von einer neuen Familie aufgenommen wurde.