At the A1 level, you likely won't use the word 'discurrir' yourself, as it is quite advanced. However, you might see it in very simple stories about nature. Think of it as a fancy way to say 'goes' or 'flows.' For example, if a river 'goes' through a forest, a Spanish book might say 'el río discurre por el bosque.' At this stage, just recognize that it is often about water or time moving. You don't need to worry about the 'thinking' or 'inventing' meanings yet. Just remember: Discurrir = Flow/Go (for rivers). It is a regular verb ending in -ir, so it follows the same pattern as 'vivir.' I live (yo vivo), it flows (él discurre). Keep it simple and don't feel pressured to use it in your basic conversations.
At the A2 level, you are starting to describe the world around you in more detail. You can use 'discurrir' to talk about geography or the route of a trip in a more formal way. Instead of just saying 'el camino pasa por la montaña' (the path goes through the mountain), you can say 'el camino discurre por la montaña.' This makes your Spanish sound more descriptive. You might also encounter it when reading news snippets about events. If a festival 'discurre con alegría,' it means it is 'going on' or 'happening' with joy. You are also learning more past tenses now, so remember the preterite: 'discurrió' (it flowed/happened). It's a useful word to have in your passive vocabulary for reading news or travel guides.
At the B1 level, you should start understanding the 'mental' meaning of 'discurrir.' This is when you use your brain to solve a problem. If you are playing a game or solving a puzzle, you might 'discurrir una solución' (think up a solution). It's a great alternative to 'pensar' when you want to emphasize that you are working hard to find an answer. You will also see it more in literature. B1 students often start reading short stories or adapted novels, where 'discurrir' is used to describe the passage of time ('el discurrir de los días'). Notice how it can be used as a noun here ('el discurrir'). This level is about expanding your range of synonyms, and 'discurrir' is a perfect upgrade for 'pasar' and 'fluir.'
B2 is the target level for 'discurrir.' At this stage, you should be able to use it comfortably in its three main contexts: physical flow, temporal passage, and intellectual reasoning. You should understand the nuance: it's not just 'to flow,' but 'to flow along a path.' In a business or formal context, you would use it to describe how a process or a meeting is going ('la reunión discurrió sin problemas'). You should also be familiar with collocations like 'discurrir por cauces legales' (to proceed through legal channels). Your ability to use 'discurrir' instead of 'pasar' in formal writing will significantly improve your score on exams like the DELE B2. It shows you have a grasp of formal register and nuanced vocabulary.
At the C1 level, you should use 'discurrir' with precision and stylistic flair. You can use it to describe abstract concepts, such as the 'flow of history' or the 'course of a philosophical argument.' You should be able to distinguish it clearly from 'transcurrir' and 'fluir' and choose the best one for the specific tone of your text. For example, in a C1 essay, you might write about how 'el pensamiento de un autor discurre entre la melancolía y la esperanza.' You should also be familiar with more obscure uses, such as 'discurrir' meaning 'to roam' or 'to wander' through a place, which is found in classical literature. Your mastery of this word indicates a deep integration into the higher registers of the Spanish language.
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like intuition for 'discurrir.' You can appreciate its use in 17th-century Golden Age literature (like Cervantes or Quevedo) where it was used extensively for complex reasoning and wandering. You understand its etymological roots (Latin 'discurrere' - to run to and fro) and how that history informs its modern meanings. You can use it in highly sophisticated wordplay or in dense academic discourse where the 'flow' of logic must be described with absolute clarity. At this level, 'discurrir' is not just a word you know; it is a tool you use to weave complex, elegant, and precise narratives or arguments. You might use it to describe the way a melody 'discurre' through a musical composition or how a political ideology 'discurre' through different social strata.

discurrir in 30 Sekunden

  • Discurrir means to flow, pass, or think. It is used for rivers, time, and creating new ideas or solutions.
  • It is a formal verb, common in literature and news, describing how events or physical paths unfold.
  • When used for thinking, it implies a deep process of reasoning or inventing something clever like a plan.
  • It is a regular -ir verb. Common prepositions used with it include 'por' (for paths) and 'sobre' (for reflection).

The Spanish verb discurrir is a sophisticated and multifaceted word that primarily describes the movement or progression of things, whether they are physical, temporal, or intellectual. At its core, it evokes the image of something moving along a path or through a channel. For English speakers, it can be translated in various ways depending on the context, including 'to flow,' 'to pass,' 'to run,' 'to proceed,' or even 'to think up' or 'to devise.'

Physical Flow
When used in a geographical or physical sense, it describes the path that a river, stream, or road takes through a landscape. It implies a continuous, natural progression along a specific route.

El río Amazonas discurre a través de la selva tropical, nutriendo a miles de especies a su paso.

Translation: The Amazon River flows through the tropical jungle, nourishing thousands of species in its path.

Beyond physical movement, discurrir is frequently used to describe the passage of time. Unlike the simple verb 'pasar,' discurrir often suggests a certain quality to the passage of time—perhaps a steady, rhythmic, or inevitable progression of events or years.

Temporal Progression
It refers to how hours, days, or lives unfold. It is common in literary contexts to describe the quiet or tumultuous passage of an era.

Vio cómo discurrían los años sin que nada cambiara en su pequeño pueblo natal.

One of the most interesting uses of discurrir is in the realm of the mind. When an individual 'discurre,' they are not just thinking; they are reasoning, reflecting, or inventing a solution. It implies a mental 'flow' of ideas leading to a conclusion or a plan. This is often used when someone is trying to solve a puzzle or come up with a creative idea.

Intellectual Invention
In this sense, it means to devise or contrive something through careful thought. It is often followed by a direct object, like a plan or a strategy.

Tenemos que discurrir una manera de entrar al edificio sin ser vistos por los guardias.

Finally, the word can also describe how an event or a meeting takes place. If a meeting 'discurre con normalidad,' it means it proceeded or unfolded normally. This usage is common in formal reports, news broadcasts, and official documentation to describe the orderly development of public events.

La jornada electoral discurrió sin incidentes graves en todo el territorio nacional.

Using discurrir correctly requires an understanding of its prepositions and the nature of the subject. Because it covers physical flow, the passage of time, and the process of thinking, the sentence structure changes slightly depending on the intended meaning. It is a regular -ir verb, following the standard conjugation patterns of verbs like 'vivir' or 'escribir.'

With Physical Paths (Preposition 'por')
When describing a river or a road, use 'por' to indicate the area through which it flows or runs. This highlights the trajectory.

El sendero discurre por la ladera de la montaña, ofreciendo vistas espectaculares del valle.

In this context, the subject is usually an inanimate object that has a linear path. You wouldn't typically say a person 'discurre por la calle' unless you were using very poetic or archaic language; 'caminar' or 'andar' would be the standard choices for people.

As a Transitive Verb (To Devise)
When you use it to mean 'to invent' or 'to think up,' it acts as a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object. You 'discurrir' a plan, a trick, or a solution.

El ingeniero discurrió un sistema de riego totalmente automatizado para la granja.

Note that in this sense, it is synonymous with 'idear' or 'inventar.' It implies a high level of mental effort and creativity. It is a very common way to express 'coming up with' something in formal or literary Spanish.

Reflecting (Preposition 'sobre')
To muse or reflect upon a topic. This is similar to 'reflexionar' or 'meditar'.

Pasó la tarde discurriendo sobre el sentido de la vida y el paso del tiempo.

When describing the passage of time or the development of events, the verb is usually intransitive and is accompanied by an adverbial phrase describing how the time or event is passing (e.g., 'lentamente,' 'con calma,' 'con normalidad').

La ceremonia discurrió de forma amena y los invitados se divirtieron mucho.

Discurrir is a word that bridges the gap between everyday formal language and high literature. While you might not hear a teenager use it in a casual text message about their weekend, you will encounter it frequently in newspapers, books, and professional settings. It has a slightly elevated tone that adds precision and elegance to a description.

In Literature
Authors love this word because it is evocative. It is used to describe the flow of blood, the path of a tear down a cheek, or the slow crawl of time in a desolate landscape. It provides a more sensory experience than 'fluir' or 'pasar.'

'El agua discurría mansa entre los guijarros del arroyo.'

A common type of sentence found in Spanish descriptive prose.

In modern journalism, especially in Spain and Latin America, discurrir is the standard verb used to report on how public events unfolded. If there was a protest, a concert, or a voting day, the journalist will almost certainly use this verb to describe whether it was peaceful or chaotic.

In News and Reports
It is used to indicate the 'course' of events. Headlines often read: 'La manifestación discurre por el centro de la ciudad' (The demonstration runs through the city center).

Según el portavoz, las negociaciones discurren por el buen camino.

In academic or intellectual circles, you will hear it in the context of reasoning. A professor might ask students to 'discurrir' about a philosophical problem. Here, it signifies a deep level of engagement with the subject matter, going beyond simple memorization to active deduction and logic.

In Technical Geography
When studying maps or hydrology, 'discurrir' is the technical term for the drainage or flow of water systems across a basin.

La red fluvial discurre hacia el Atlántico debido a la inclinación de la meseta.

Because the word has so many applications, it is a marker of a high-level Spanish speaker. Using it correctly in these varied contexts shows that you understand the nuances of 'flow' in both the physical and abstract sense.

One of the most frequent errors for English speakers is confusing discurrir with other verbs that mean 'to pass' or 'to flow.' While they are synonyms, they are not always interchangeable. Understanding the specific 'flavor' of discurrir is key to avoiding these pitfalls.

Confusing with 'Transcurrir'
'Transcurrir' is very similar and specifically refers to the passage of time. While you can often use either for time, 'discurrir' is broader. However, you CANNOT use 'transcurrir' for the physical flow of a river. A river 'discurre,' it doesn't 'transcurre.'

Incorrecto: El río transcurre por el valle.
Correcto: El río discurre por el valle.

Another common mistake is using discurrir as a synonym for 'caminar' (to walk) when talking about people. Even though a path 'discurre,' a person usually doesn't 'discurrir' down the street unless the writer is being extremely metaphorical, implying the person is like a flowing liquid. For general movement of people, stick to 'ir,' 'caminar,' or 'pasear.'

Overusing it for 'Thinking'
While 'discurrir' means to reason or devise, it is much more formal than 'pensar.' If you are just thinking about what to eat for dinner, 'discurrir' sounds too heavy. Use 'pensar' for everyday thoughts and 'discurrir' for solving complex problems or inventing things.

Exagerado: Estoy discurriendo si quiero pizza o pasta.
Natural: Estoy pensando si quiero pizza o pasta.

A subtle mistake involves the preposition 'en' vs 'sobre.' While some speakers use 'discurrir en algo,' the more standard and academic form when meaning 'to reflect' is 'discurrir sobre algo.' Using 'en' can sometimes sound like a regionalism or simply less precise.

Confusion with 'Recorrer'
'Recorrer' means to travel through or cover a distance. 'Discurrir' describes the path itself. A road 'discurre' through the forest, but a car 'recorre' the road.

La carretera discurre por la costa. Nosotros recorrimos cien kilómetros por esa carretera.

Because discurrir is such a versatile verb, it has several synonyms depending on which specific 'flow' you are talking about. Choosing the right alternative can help you adjust your register from formal to informal or from poetic to technical.

Fluir vs. Discurrir
'Fluir' is the most direct synonym for liquids. While 'discurrir' emphasizes the path or the course, 'fluir' emphasizes the movement of the liquid itself. You use 'fluir' for electricity or traffic more often than 'discurrir.'

La sangre fluía de la herida (Natural).
La sangre discurría por su brazo (Descriptive/Poetic).

When it comes to time, the most common alternative is pasar. However, if you want to sound more formal, transcurrir is the perfect choice. Transcurrir is almost exclusively used for time and events, making it narrower but very precise.

Idear vs. Discurrir
If you are talking about coming up with an idea, 'idear' is a great alternative. 'Idear' is slightly more focused on the creation of the concept, while 'discurrir' suggests the mental labor involved in reaching that concept.

Ella ideó un nuevo logotipo.
Él discurrió un plan para salvar la empresa.

For the sense of 'proceeding' or 'unfolding' (as in a meeting), you can use desarrollarse. This is a very common and neutral verb. If a meeting 'se desarrolla con normalidad,' it is exactly the same as saying it 'discurre con normalidad,' though the latter is slightly more elegant.

Reflexionar vs. Discurrir sobre
'Reflexionar' is the standard word for 'to reflect.' 'Discurrir sobre' is more literary and implies a wandering or flowing of thoughts through various aspects of a topic.

How Formal Is It?

Wusstest du?

The English word 'discourse' comes from the same Latin root. While 'discourse' became focused on speech, 'discurrir' kept the physical meaning of flowing and the mental meaning of reasoning.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /dis.ku.'rir/
US /dis.ku.'rir/
The stress is on the final syllable: 'rir'.
Reimt sich auf
vivir morir escribir sentir abrir dormir venir decir
Häufige Fehler
  • Pronouncing the 'u' like the 'u' in 'cup' instead of 'oo'.
  • Failing to roll the 'rr'.
  • Putting the stress on the first or second syllable.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 3/5

Easy to recognize in context once you know the meanings.

Schreiben 4/5

Requires knowledge of prepositions and formal register.

Sprechen 4/5

Not common in casual speech, but great for sounding advanced.

Hören 3/5

Clearly pronounced and used in news and audiobooks.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

fluir pasar pensar camino río

Als Nächstes lernen

transcurrir idear proceder cauce ingenio

Fortgeschritten

elucubrar conjeturar manar serpentear

Wichtige Grammatik

Regular -ir verb conjugation

Yo discurro, tú discurres, él discurre...

Use of 'por' for movement along a path

El agua discurre por el tubo.

Transitive vs Intransitive use

Discurrir un plan (transitive) vs El tiempo discurre (intransitive).

Subjunctive for hypothetical situations

Si el río discurriera por aquí, todo sería más verde.

Gerund formation (-iendo)

Estaba discurriendo una idea brillante.

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

El agua discurre por el campo.

The water flows through the field.

Present tense, third person singular.

2

El río discurre hacia el mar.

The river flows toward the sea.

Use 'hacia' to indicate direction.

3

La calle discurre entre las casas.

The street runs between the houses.

'Entre' means between.

4

El tiempo discurre rápido hoy.

Time is passing fast today.

Here it refers to time.

5

El camino discurre por el bosque.

The path runs through the forest.

'Por' indicates 'through' or 'along'.

6

Las nubes discurren por el cielo.

The clouds move across the sky.

Plural form: discurren.

7

El canal discurre por la ciudad.

The canal runs through the city.

Physical flow.

8

Mi vida discurre con calma.

My life passes calmly.

Abstract flow of life.

1

La carretera discurre paralela a la costa.

The highway runs parallel to the coast.

'Paralela a' is a common spatial descriptor.

2

La fiesta discurrió sin problemas.

The party went on without problems.

Preterite tense: discurrió.

3

Vimos cómo discurría el agua de la lluvia.

We saw how the rainwater was flowing.

Imperfect tense: discurría.

4

El desfile discurre por la avenida principal.

The parade runs through the main avenue.

Present tense.

5

Los días discurren lentos en verano.

The days pass slowly in summer.

Plural subject, plural verb.

6

La tubería discurre por debajo del suelo.

The pipe runs under the ground.

'Por debajo de' means underneath.

7

La procesión discurrió en silencio.

The procession proceeded in silence.

Describing the manner of an event.

8

El sendero discurre cuesta arriba.

The path runs uphill.

'Cuesta arriba' means uphill.

1

Tengo que discurrir una excusa para no ir.

I have to think up an excuse not to go.

Transitive use: to devise/invent.

2

El profesor nos pidió discurrir sobre el tema.

The teacher asked us to reflect on the topic.

'Discurrir sobre' means to reflect.

3

La trama de la novela discurre en Madrid.

The plot of the novel takes place in Madrid.

Used to describe the setting/unfolding of a story.

4

Discurrieron un plan para sorprenderla.

They devised a plan to surprise her.

Preterite third person plural.

5

El tiempo discurre de manera diferente cuando estás feliz.

Time passes differently when you are happy.

Abstract concept of time.

6

No paraba de discurrir cómo arreglar el coche.

He didn't stop thinking about how to fix the car.

Infinitive after 'parar de'.

7

La sangre discurría por su mejilla.

Blood was flowing down his cheek.

Descriptive/Poetic use.

8

La reunión discurrió por cauces normales.

The meeting proceeded through normal channels.

Idiomatic phrase: 'por cauces normales'.

1

Es necesario discurrir nuevas estrategias de marketing.

It is necessary to devise new marketing strategies.

Formal business context.

2

El acto oficial discurrió con total normalidad.

The official ceremony proceeded with total normality.

Standard journalistic phrase.

3

El río Duero discurre por gran parte de Castilla.

The Duero River flows through a large part of Castile.

Geographical description.

4

Discurre un poco antes de tomar una decisión.

Think a bit before making a decision.

Imperative form (tú).

5

La vida de los santos solía discurrir en la austeridad.

The lives of saints used to pass in austerity.

Describing a lifestyle.

6

El debate discurrió por temas muy variados.

The debate covered very varied topics.

Describing the flow of a conversation.

7

Lograron discurrir un método más eficiente.

They managed to devise a more efficient method.

Transitive: to invent/contrive.

8

El líquido discurre a través de los filtros.

The liquid flows through the filters.

Technical/Scientific context.

1

El pensamiento filosófico discurre a menudo por laberintos.

Philosophical thought often flows through labyrinths.

Metaphorical use.

2

Dejamos que la conversación discurriera libremente.

We let the conversation flow freely.

Subjunctive mood: discurriera.

3

La historia discurre por senderos impredecibles.

History flows along unpredictable paths.

Abstract historiographical use.

4

Se sentó a discurrir sobre la brevedad de la existencia.

He sat down to reflect on the brevity of existence.

Literary/Philosophical tone.

5

El autor discurre una teoría revolucionaria en su último libro.

The author devises a revolutionary theory in his last book.

Transitive: to formulate/devise.

6

La procesión de antorchas discurría como una serpiente de fuego.

The torchlight procession flowed like a snake of fire.

Simile in descriptive prose.

7

El tiempo parece no discurrir en este rincón del mundo.

Time seems not to pass in this corner of the world.

Expressing timelessness.

8

La savia discurre por el interior del tronco.

Sap flows through the inside of the trunk.

Biological context.

1

Su prosa discurre con una elegancia casi arquitectónica.

His prose flows with an almost architectural elegance.

Aesthetic criticism.

2

El devenir humano discurre parejo a los avances técnicos.

Human destiny flows alongside technical advances.

Highly abstract/Academic.

3

Es ardua tarea discurrir una salida a este atolladero político.

It is an arduous task to devise a way out of this political quagmire.

Complex sentence structure.

4

La luz discurre por la estancia, revelando motas de polvo.

Light flows through the room, revealing specks of dust.

Poetic descriptive use.

5

No es fácil discurrir los motivos ocultos tras su silencio.

It is not easy to deduce the hidden motives behind his silence.

Transitive: to deduce/reason out.

6

La frontera discurre siguiendo la divisoria de aguas.

The border runs along the drainage divide.

Technical geographical/political use.

7

El relato discurre en un tiempo mítico y atemporal.

The story takes place in a mythical and timeless era.

Literary analysis.

8

Discurría por su mente la idea de abandonar todo.

The idea of abandoning everything was running through his mind.

Inversion of subject and verb for emphasis.

Häufige Kollokationen

discurrir con normalidad
discurrir por cauces
discurrir un plan
el discurrir del tiempo
discurrir sobre algo
discurrir en paralelo
discurrir entre
dejar discurrir
discurrir una solución
discurrir por la mente

Häufige Phrasen

Discurrir una salida

— To find or think up a way out of a difficult situation. It implies using cleverness to solve a problem.

Lograron discurrir una salida a la crisis financiera.

Discurrir de forma fluida

— To proceed or happen without interruptions or obstacles. Used for events or speech.

La conversación discurrió de forma fluida toda la noche.

Discurrir por el buen camino

— To be going in the right direction or progressing well. Often used for projects or negotiations.

Parece que el proyecto discurre por el buen camino.

El lento discurrir

— A common literary phrase used to describe the slow and steady passage of something, usually time.

El lento discurrir de la tarde nos dio sueño.

Discurrir un engaño

— To devise or plot a trick or a lie. It has a slightly negative connotation here.

El villano discurrió un engaño para atrapar al héroe.

Discurrir por la ladera

— A geographical description of a path or river following the side of a hill or mountain.

La carretera discurre por la ladera norte.

Discurrir en silencio

— To pass or happen without making noise. Used for people moving, time passing, or water flowing.

Los años discurrieron en silencio en aquella casa.

Discurrir a solas

— To think or reflect by oneself, without the influence of others.

Necesito discurrir a solas sobre mi futuro profesional.

Discurrir con lentitud

— To move or pass slowly. Often used to complain about a boring event.

La película discurre con demasiada lentitud.

Discurrir una estratagema

— To devise a clever trick or strategy, especially in a military or competitive context.

El general discurrió una estratagema para ganar la batalla.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

discurrir vs escurrir

Escurrir means to drain or to slip. Discurrir means to flow along a path.

discurrir vs transcurrir

Transcurrir is only for time/events. Discurrir is for time, events, water, and thinking.

discurrir vs recorrer

Recorrer is the action of traveling a distance. Discurrir is the path that exists.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Darle a alguien qué discurrir"

— To give someone something to think about or worry about. It implies providing food for thought.

Su extraño comportamiento me dio qué discurrir.

Informal/Neutral
"Discurrir por cauces legales"

— To act or proceed within the limits of the law. Common in legal and political discourse.

Toda reclamación debe discurrir por cauces legales.

Formal
"No saber por dónde discurre"

— To be lost or confused about the direction of something, or to not understand a situation.

Estoy tan confundido que no sé por dónde discurre el asunto.

Neutral
"Discurrir como el agua"

— To happen very easily, naturally, or quickly. Often used for time or money.

El dinero discurre como el agua en esta casa.

Neutral
"Discurrir un medio"

— An old-fashioned way of saying 'to find a way' or 'to find a means' to do something.

Discurrió un medio para enviarle la carta en secreto.

Literary
"Tener mucho que discurrir"

— To have a lot of thinking or planning to do. Implies a complex situation.

Si queremos ganar, todavía tenemos mucho que discurrir.

Neutral
"Discurrir por la cabeza"

— To have an idea or thought 'run through' one's head.

Me discurrió por la cabeza la idea de mudarme a Japón.

Neutral
"Hacer discurrir el ingenio"

— To sharpen one's wits or to force oneself to be creative/clever.

El hambre hace discurrir el ingenio.

Literary/Formal
"Discurrir por senderos trillados"

— To think or act in a conventional, unoriginal way (following 'beaten paths').

Su última película discurre por senderos trillados.

Literary/Critical
"Dejar discurrir la imaginación"

— To let one's imagination run wild or flow freely.

Al escribir, debes dejar discurrir la imaginación.

Neutral

Leicht verwechselbar

discurrir vs fluir

Both mean 'to flow'.

Fluir is more about the liquid's movement; discurrir is more about the path it takes.

El agua fluye rápido. El río discurre por el cañón.

discurrir vs pensar

Both involve the mind.

Pensar is general; discurrir implies logical reasoning or creative invention.

Pienso en ti. Discurro un plan para ganar.

discurrir vs pasar

Both mean 'to pass'.

Pasar is common/daily; discurrir is formal and describes the 'way' something passes.

Pásame la sal. Los años discurren lentos.

discurrir vs suceder

Both can describe events.

Suceder is 'to happen' (the fact); discurrir is 'to unfold' (the process).

Sucedió un accidente. La gala discurrió con elegancia.

discurrir vs correr

Both mean 'to run'.

Correr is physical running; discurrir is the path of a road/river or a flow of time.

Corro en el parque. La acequia discurre por la huerta.

Satzmuster

A1

El [noun] discurre por [place].

El río discurre por el valle.

A2

El [event] discurrió con [adverb].

La fiesta discurrió con alegría.

B1

Tengo que discurrir un/una [noun].

Tengo que discurrir una solución.

B2

Discurrir sobre [abstract topic].

Discurrir sobre la justicia.

C1

Ver discurrir el/la [noun].

Ver discurrir la vida desde el balcón.

C1

Discurrir parejo a [noun].

El éxito discurre parejo al esfuerzo.

C2

Discurrir por cauces [adjective].

Discurrir por cauces institucionales.

C2

Hacer discurrir el [noun (wit/imagination)].

Hacer discurrir el ingenio para sobrevivir.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

discurso (speech/discourse)
discurrimiento (the act of flowing - rare)
discurridor (someone who devises - rare)

Verben

discurrir

Adjektive

discursivo (discursive/related to reasoning)

Verwandt

correr
concurrir
transcurrir
recorrer
escurrir

So verwendest du es

frequency

Common in written Spanish, moderate in formal spoken Spanish.

Häufige Fehler
  • El río transcurre por el valle. El río discurre por el valle.

    'Transcurrir' is only for time. 'Discurrir' is for physical flow.

  • Discurro en la solución. Discurro la solución.

    When it means 'to devise,' it is transitive and doesn't need 'en'.

  • La gente discurre por la calle. La gente camina por la calle.

    'Discurrir' sounds unnatural for people walking unless it's a formal procession.

  • Discurrir un secreto. Descubrir un secreto.

    Don't confuse 'discurrir' with 'descubrir' (to discover).

  • Se discurre un plan. Discurre un plan.

    'Discurrir' is not a reflexive verb in this context.

Tipps

Upgrade your 'pasar'

In your writing, replace 'pasar' with 'discurrir' when describing the path of a road or the unfolding of an event to sound more like a native writer.

Preposition Power

Always remember: 'discurrir por' for places, 'discurrir sobre' for topics. Getting the preposition right is half the battle.

Poetic Touch

Use 'discurrir' when describing nature (rivers, light, wind) to add a lyrical quality to your descriptions.

Mental Flow

Think of 'discurrir' as 'brain-flowing'. When you are stuck on a problem, tell yourself 'necesito discurrir una solución'.

News Watch

Watch Spanish news reports on festivals or protests; you will almost certainly hear 'la manifestación discurre por...'.

Formal Reports

In a business report, use 'la reunión discurrió con normalidad' to sound professional and objective.

Reading Clue

If you see 'el discurrir' used as a noun, it almost always refers to the passage of time or the flow of a life story.

Impress your teacher

During a debate, say 'He estado discurriendo sobre este punto...' instead of 'He estado pensando...'.

The Course

Connect 'discurrir' with 'dis-course' or 'course'. It's all about the 'course' something takes.

Avoid Overuse

Don't use it for everything. It's a special verb. Use it when the 'path' or 'process' is important.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

Imagine a river (discurrir) flowing through a brain. The water is the 'flow' of thoughts creating a 'plan.'

Visuelle Assoziation

Visualize a river winding through a forest, then transform that river into a line of thought inside a scientist's head.

Word Web

Río Tiempo Plan Idea Camino Pensar Fluir Inventar

Herausforderung

Try to use 'discurrir' in three different ways today: once for a river, once for time, and once for an idea.

Wortherkunft

From the Latin verb 'discurrere', which is composed of the prefix 'dis-' (apart, in different directions) and 'currere' (to run).

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: The original Latin meaning was 'to run to and fro' or 'to run in different directions.'

Romance (Latinate)

Kultureller Kontext

No specific sensitivities; it is a neutral, formal term.

English speakers often use separate verbs for these concepts (flow, pass, think), whereas Spanish unifies them under the concept of 'coursing.'

Used frequently in 'Don Quijote de la Mancha' to describe the knight's reasoning. Common in the poetry of Antonio Machado when describing the flow of rivers in Castile. Found in legal documents of the Spanish Constitution regarding how laws should proceed.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Geography

  • El río discurre por...
  • La cordillera discurre...
  • El agua discurre hacia...
  • El cauce discurre entre...

Problem Solving

  • Discurrir un plan
  • Discurrir una solución
  • Discurrir una salida
  • Discurrir un modo de...

Time/Life

  • El discurrir de los años
  • La vida discurre...
  • Las horas discurren...
  • Ver discurrir el tiempo

Events

  • Discurrir con normalidad
  • Discurrir sin incidentes
  • La jornada discurre...
  • El acto discurrió...

Philosophy/Thought

  • Discurrir sobre la vida
  • Discurrir sobre el ser
  • Dejar discurrir el pensamiento
  • Discurrir lógicamente

Gesprächseinstiege

"¿Cómo discurrió tu último viaje por Europa?"

"¿Has tenido que discurrir algún plan difícil últimamente?"

"¿Te gusta ver cómo discurre el agua en un río o prefieres el mar?"

"¿Sientes que el tiempo discurre más rápido ahora que eres adulto?"

"Si tuvieras que discurrir un invento nuevo, ¿qué sería?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe cómo discurre un día típico en tu vida ideal.

Escribe sobre un momento en el que tuviste que discurrir una solución creativa a un problema.

Reflexiona sobre cómo discurre el tiempo cuando estás haciendo algo que amas.

Describe el paisaje por donde discurre el río más cercano a tu casa.

Discurre sobre la importancia de la paciencia en el mundo moderno.

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Generally, no. You should use 'caminar' or 'andar'. 'Discurrir' is used for rivers, roads, or time. If you use it for a person, it sounds like they are flowing like a liquid, which is very poetic but not common in daily speech.

Yes, it is used throughout the Spanish-speaking world, especially in formal writing, news, and literature. Its usage doesn't vary significantly between regions.

'Hacer un plan' is simply 'to make a plan.' 'Discurrir un plan' implies that you had to think very hard, be clever, or overcome a problem to come up with that plan.

Yes, you can use the infinitive as a noun: 'el discurrir' (the flowing/the passing). There is also 'discurso', but that usually means a speech.

It is better to say 'discurrir sobre algo' when you mean reflecting on a topic. 'En' is sometimes used, but 'sobre' is more standard.

Yes, 'discurrir' is a completely regular -ir verb in all tenses. This makes it easy to conjugate once you know the stem 'discurr-'.

Use 'transcurrir' when you are strictly talking about time passing or how an event took place, and you want to sound formal. Never use 'transcurrir' for rivers.

No, that would be 'gotear' or 'filtrarse'. 'Discurrir' implies a purposeful or continuous flow along a path, not an accidental leak.

Yes, in geography, hydrology, and sometimes in medicine (to describe the path of a nerve or vessel), it is a technical term.

You can say 'el tiempo fluye' or 'el tiempo discurre'. 'Discurre' is slightly more formal and elegant.

Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen

writing

Escribe una frase usando 'discurrir' para describir un río.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escribe una frase usando 'discurrir' con el significado de 'pensar'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe cómo 'discurre' un día aburrido para ti.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Usa 'discurrir' en una frase formal sobre una reunión de negocios.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escribe un breve párrafo sobre el 'discurrir del tiempo'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Inventa un diálogo breve donde alguien use 'discurrir' para planear algo.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escribe una frase poética usando 'discurrir' y 'estrellas'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Usa 'discurrir' para describir el camino a tu casa.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Explica la diferencia entre 'fluir' y 'discurrir' en tus propias palabras.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Redacta una noticia corta usando 'discurrir' para un evento público.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escribe una frase en pretérito perfecto simple (discurrió).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Usa el subjuntivo de 'discurrir' en una frase.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe el movimiento de la sangre usando 'discurrir'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre un invento usando 'discurrir'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Usa 'discurrir sobre' para hablar de un libro.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Describe una procesión religiosa usando 'discurrir'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Usa el gerundio 'discurriendo'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escribe una frase sobre la historia de un país usando 'discurrir'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Usa 'discurrir' en una frase con 'tecnología'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
writing

Escribe una frase negativa con 'discurrir'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronuncia 'discurrir' enfatizando la última sílaba.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Di en voz alta: 'El río discurre por el valle'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explica oralmente qué significa 'discurrir un plan'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Describe el curso de un río famoso usando el verbo.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Usa 'discurrir' para decir que el tiempo pasa rápido.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Responde: ¿Cómo discurrió tu día ayer?

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Di una frase usando 'discurrir sobre' y un tema filosófico.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Practica la conjugación: 'Yo discurro, tú discurres, él discurre'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Usa 'discurrir' para describir una carretera.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Imagina que eres un detective. Di: 'He discurrido cómo atrapar al culpable'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Di: 'La reunión discurrió por cauces pacíficos'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pregunta a alguien: '¿Has discurrido ya una solución?'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Usa el imperativo: '¡Discurre un poco más!'

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Di: 'El agua discurre cristalina'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Explica la diferencia entre 'discurrir' y 'pasar' para el tiempo.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Di: 'Los años discurren sin pausa'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Usa 'discurrir' en una frase sobre la imaginación.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Di: 'La jornada electoral discurre sin incidentes'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Pronuncia correctamente: 'discurrimiento'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
speaking

Di: 'El sendero discurre entre pinos y abetos'.

Read this aloud:

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

¿Qué escuchas? (El profesor dijo que debemos discurrir una respuesta).

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

¿Qué palabra se usa para el flujo del río en el audio?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identifica el tiempo verbal: 'La ceremonia discurrió bien'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

¿A qué se refiere el hablante cuando dice 'el discurrir de los días'?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Escucha y completa: 'El agua _______ por la acequia'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

¿La reunión tuvo problemas según el audio: 'La reunión discurrió sin novedad'?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Escucha la frase: 'Tengo que discurrir una excusa'. ¿Qué necesita el hablante?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

¿Qué preposición sigue a discurrir en: 'Discurre sobre la paz'?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identifica el sujeto: 'Por aquí discurre el arroyo'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Escucha: 'Discurría una idea en su cabeza'. ¿Dónde estaba la idea?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

¿Qué significa 'discurrir con normalidad' en las noticias?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Completa: 'La sangre _______ por el brazo'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Escucha: 'No dejes de discurrir'. ¿Qué le piden?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

Identifica el verbo: 'El camino discurre por la montaña'.

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
listening

¿Cómo es el tono de 'discurrir' en el audio?

Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:
Richtig! Nicht ganz. Richtige Antwort:

/ 200 correct

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