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argumentar

B1 verb 11 min read

argumentar

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips argumentar in 30 Seconds

Explanation argumentar in your Level:

At the A1 level, the word 'argumentar' is quite advanced, but you can understand it as 'giving a reason'. While you might not use it yourself yet, you might see it in simple instructions like 'argumenta tu respuesta' (explain/give a reason for your answer). At this stage, think of it as a fancy way to say 'say why'. You usually use 'porque' (because) to do the actual action of 'argumentar'. For example, if you say 'Me gusta el café porque es rico', you are beginning to 'argumentar' your preference. It is the first step toward logical thinking in Spanish. Don't worry about the complex grammar; just remember it means 'to give a reason'.

At the A2 level, you start to see 'argumentar' in more contexts, especially in school or basic work environments. You should recognize that it's different from 'hablar' (to speak). When someone asks you to 'argumentar', they want more than just a fact; they want a 'why'. You can use simple structures like 'Él argumenta que...' (He argues that...). You might use it when talking about your opinions on simple topics like hobbies, travel, or food. It helps you move from just stating facts to explaining your thoughts. It is a very useful word for the 'speaking' part of an A2 exam where you have to justify your choices.

At the B1 level, 'argumentar' becomes a key tool for expressing your opinions clearly. You are expected to be able to maintain a conversation and explain your viewpoints. Knowing 'argumentar' allows you to participate in debates about social issues or workplace strategies. You should be able to use it with prepositions: 'argumentar a favor de' (to argue in favor of) and 'argumentar en contra de' (to argue against). You will also start to notice it in news articles and more formal texts. This is the level where you must distinguish it from 'discutir' (to fight/argue) to avoid social misunderstandings. It's about being logical and persuasive.

At the B2 level, you should use 'argumentar' with confidence in formal essays and professional presentations. You understand that 'argumentar' involves a structure: a premise, evidence, and a conclusion. You can use it in the passive voice ('se argumenta que') to sound more objective and academic. You are also familiar with related words like 'argumento' (logical point) and 'argumentación' (the process of arguing). At this level, you can analyze how others 'argumentan' their points and identify if their logic is strong or weak. It is essential for the writing tasks in a B2 exam, where you often have to write an 'ensayo argumentativo' (argumentative essay).

At the C1 level, you use 'argumentar' to navigate complex, abstract topics. You can distinguish between 'argumentar', 'argüir', 'fundamentar', and 'alegar' with precision. You use 'argumentar' to deconstruct philosophical theories, legal cases, or intricate scientific data. Your 'argumentación' is expected to be sophisticated, using a wide range of connectors and rhetorical devices. You can also use the word to critique others, such as 'Su forma de argumentar es falaz' (His way of arguing is fallacious). At this level, 'argumentar' is not just a verb; it's a skill that reflects your ability to think critically and express yourself with high-level nuance in Spanish.

At the C2 level, 'argumentar' is used with complete mastery, often in highly specialized fields like law, philosophy, or high-level diplomacy. You understand the historical and etymological weight of the word. You can use it to produce texts that are not only logically sound but also stylistically elegant. You can engage in spontaneous, high-stakes debates where you must 'argumentar' complex positions without hesitation. You are sensitive to the subtle differences in register and can adapt your 'argumentación' to any audience, from a group of experts to the general public. For you, 'argumentar' is a primary tool for intellectual leadership and high-level communication.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

argumentar in 30 Seconds

A formal verb meaning to provide logical reasons or evidence to support a specific claim or viewpoint.
Used primarily in academic, legal, and professional contexts to build a persuasive case or explanation.
Often confused with 'discutir', but 'argumentar' focuses on logic rather than emotional conflict or fighting.
Commonly used with 'que' to introduce a statement or 'a favor de/en contra de' to show a stance.

The Spanish verb argumentar is a cornerstone of intellectual discourse, critical thinking, and formal communication. At its core, it means to provide a set of reasons, evidence, or logical steps to support a specific conclusion, theory, or course of action. Unlike the English word 'argue' in its most common colloquial sense—which often implies a heated emotional conflict or a 'fight'—the Spanish argumentar is almost exclusively constructive and cognitive. It is the act of building a case. When you argumentas, you are not necessarily trying to 'win' a fight; you are trying to demonstrate the validity of a point through structural reasoning. This distinction is vital for English speakers who might mistakenly use argumentar to describe a shouting match between neighbors. In such a case, the correct verb would be discutir or pelear.

Academic Context: In universities and schools, students are taught to argumentar their theses. This involves citing sources, analyzing data, and connecting dots logically. It is the hallmark of a well-written essay or a successful oral defense.

Es fundamental que el alumno sepa argumentar sus respuestas durante el examen final para demostrar comprensión profunda.

Legal and Judicial Use: Lawyers spend their entire careers argumentando. In a courtroom, every claim must be backed by law or precedent. The 'argumentación jurídica' is a specific field of study focused on the logic of law.

El fiscal procedió a argumentar que las pruebas de ADN eran irrefutables.

In everyday life, argumentar appears when decisions need to be justified. If you want a raise at work, you must argumentar why your performance deserves it. If you want to convince your partner to move to a new city, you argumentas the benefits of the new location. It is a tool of persuasion that relies on the intellect rather than the ego. The word carries a certain weight and respect; calling someone's points 'bien argumentados' (well-argued) is a high compliment in professional and intellectual circles in the Spanish-speaking world. It suggests clarity, sequence, and evidence.

No puedes simplemente decir que no te gusta la película; tienes que argumentar tu crítica.

Political Discourse: Politicians are often criticized for failing to argumentar their policies properly, instead relying on slogans. A 'debate argumentado' is one where facts take precedence over insults.

Los senadores pasaron horas tratando de argumentar los beneficios de la nueva reforma fiscal.

Para convencer al jefe, debemos argumentar basándonos en las estadísticas de ventas del último trimestre.

Using argumentar correctly requires understanding its common syntactic patterns. As a transitive verb, it frequently takes a direct object (the thing being argued) or is followed by a prepositional phrase that clarifies the stance being taken. The most common structure is argumentar que... (to argue that...), which introduces a subordinate clause containing the main point. This is the standard way to report someone's reasoning or to present your own. For example, 'Ella argumentó que la tecnología es esencial' (She argued that technology is essential). Notice how the verb sets the stage for a logical claim.

Argumentar a favor de: This phrase is used when you are supporting a cause or an idea. It is the equivalent of 'to argue in favor of' or 'to advocate for' using logic. It is common in debates and opinion pieces.

Muchos científicos suelen argumentar a favor de una reducción inmediata en las emisiones de carbono.

Argumentar en contra de: This is the logical opposite, used to oppose an idea. It translates to 'to argue against'. It implies that the speaker is providing reasons why something is wrong, harmful, or incorrect.

Es difícil argumentar en contra de los hechos presentados en el informe forense.

Another important usage is argumentar algo (to argue something). Here, 'algo' is usually a noun representing the reason or the point. For instance, 'Él argumentó motivos personales para su renuncia' (He cited/argued personal reasons for his resignation). In this context, it functions similarly to 'alegar' or 'exponer'. It is also common to see the verb in the passive voice or with 'se' in impersonal constructions, such as 'Se argumenta que...' (It is argued that...). This is extremely common in academic writing to maintain an objective tone. It distances the claim from a specific person and focuses on the reasoning itself.

En el ensayo, se intenta argumentar la importancia de la educación bilingüe en la infancia.

Argumentar con solidez: Adverbs and prepositional phrases often accompany the verb to describe the quality of the reasoning. 'Con solidez' (solidly) or 'con lógica' (logically) are frequent partners.

Si quieres ganar el concurso de debate, debes aprender a argumentar con solidez y calma.

El experto logró argumentar su teoría ante un panel de críticos muy escépticos.

While argumentar might sound like a word reserved for dusty libraries, it is surprisingly prevalent in modern media and public life. You will hear it most frequently in the news, particularly during segments covering parliamentary debates or legal proceedings. News anchors often use it to summarize the positions of different political parties. For example, 'La oposición argumenta que el presupuesto es insuficiente' (The opposition argues that the budget is insufficient). This usage is neutral and objective, focusing on the content of the political message rather than the emotion of the delivery.

Talk Shows and Podcasts: In intellectual talk shows (tertulias) or educational podcasts, moderators often ask guests to argumentar their viewpoints. It serves as an invitation to move beyond simple 'yes' or 'no' answers and provide a deeper explanation.

En el podcast de hoy, invitamos a dos economistas para que puedan argumentar sus visiones sobre la inflación.

Documentaries and Educational Content: Narrators in documentaries use argumentar when explaining scientific theories or historical interpretations. It signals to the viewer that what follows is a reasoned conclusion based on evidence.

El documental busca argumentar por qué la civilización maya colapsó tan repentinamente.

In a professional setting, such as a business meeting or a performance review, argumentar is the go-to word for explaining a strategy. A manager might say, 'Necesito que argumentes por qué deberíamos invertir en este mercado' (I need you to argue why we should invest in this market). Here, it implies a need for a data-driven, logical presentation. It’s also common in legal dramas on TV. When a character says '¡Eso no es lo que argumentamos!' (That's not what we argued!), they are referring to their legal strategy or their specific line of reasoning in court. It’s a word that denotes serious, intentional communication.

Durante la reunión, el arquitecto tuvo que argumentar el uso de materiales sostenibles a pesar de su alto costo.

Literature and Philosophy: In philosophical texts, argumentar is the primary action. Philosophers don't just state truths; they argumentan to reach them. You will see this word in every classic Spanish philosophical work.

Ortega y Gasset solía argumentar que el hombre es él y su circunstancia.

No es suficiente con gritar; en este foro se viene a argumentar con datos reales.

The single most frequent mistake English speakers make with argumentar is treating it as a direct translation for 'to argue' in the sense of 'to fight' or 'to bicker'. In English, if you say 'My parents are arguing in the kitchen', you likely mean they are angry and shouting. If you translate this as 'Mis padres están argumentando en la cocina', a Spanish speaker will imagine them having a very calm, structured, and logical debate about philosophy or household finances using evidence and premises. To describe a fight, use discutir (which is a 'false friend' because it doesn't just mean 'to discuss') or pelearse.

Confusing with 'Discutir': While 'discutir' can mean 'to discuss', it very often means 'to argue/fight'. 'Argumentar' is strictly about the logic. You can 'argumentar' within a 'discusión', but they are not the same thing.

Incorrect: Argumentaron por quién iba a lavar los platos. (They argued about who would wash the dishes - too formal/logical).
Correct: Discutieron por quién iba a lavar los platos.

Overusing it in Informal Settings: Using 'argumentar' when you just want to say 'to say' or 'to explain' can make you sound overly academic or robotic. If you are just telling a friend why you were late, use 'explicar'. Save 'argumentar' for when you are actually presenting a formal reason.

Me gustaría argumentar mi postura sobre el cambio climático (Correct: Formal/Intellectual context).

Another mistake involves the word 'argument'. In Spanish, an 'argument' in the sense of a logical point is an argumento. However, an 'argument' in the sense of a plot of a movie or book is also argumento. Learners sometimes get confused and think argumentar means 'to summarize a plot'. It does not. To summarize a plot, use resumir el argumento or contar la trama. Using the verb argumentar always implies the act of reasoning. Finally, be careful with the spelling; it is often misspelled as 'argumentear' by learners who are over-applying the '-ear' suffix common in other Spanish verbs. It is a simple '-ar' verb: argumentar.

El abogado no supo argumentar la inocencia de su cliente y perdió el caso.

Mistaking 'Argumentar' for 'Argüir': While 'argüir' is a synonym, it is much more formal and archaic. Using 'argüir' in a standard B1 or B2 conversation might sound out of place. Stick to 'argumentar' for most modern contexts.

Es importante argumentar cada punto con ejemplos claros y concisos.

No intentes argumentar sin tener toda la información necesaria.

To truly master argumentar, you should know its neighbors in the semantic field of 'explaining and reasoning'. Depending on the nuance you want to convey, other verbs might be more appropriate. For example, if you are simply giving a reason to excuse yourself, justificar is often better. If you are laying out a series of facts without necessarily trying to prove a point, exponer or explicar are the standard choices. Understanding these differences allows for more precise communication.

Argumentar vs. Justificar: 'Argumentar' is about the logical process. 'Justificar' is about providing a 'just' cause or excuse for an action. You 'argumentas' a theory, but you 'justificas' your absence from work.

Él intentó justificar su tardanza, pero sus razones no eran convincentes.

Argumentar vs. Fundamentar: 'Fundamentar' is even more formal. It means to base something on a solid foundation (fundamento). It's often used when talking about legal or scientific bases. 'Argumentar' is the act of speaking/writing the reasons; 'fundamentar' is providing the basis for them.

Es necesario fundamentar la acusación con pruebas físicas reales.

In a debate, you might also use sostener (to maintain/hold) or defender (to defend). These verbs focus on the stance rather than the process of reasoning. 'Ella sostiene que...' means 'She maintains that...'. Meanwhile, debicar or disputar are more about the interaction between two opposing sides. If you find yourself repeating argumentar too much in an essay, try razonar or elucidar (to elucidate/make clear). Each of these adds a slightly different flavor to your writing, making it sound more sophisticated and varied.

El autor busca razonar sobre la naturaleza de la libertad humana.

Argumentar vs. Discutir: As mentioned, 'discutir' is often emotional. 'Argumentar' is intellectual. You can have a 'discusión argumentada' (a reasoned discussion), which is the ideal form of debate.

En lugar de gritar, deberíamos argumentar nuestras diferencias con respeto.

Su capacidad para argumentar bajo presión es lo que lo hace un gran líder.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The root 'argu-' in Latin actually comes from a Proto-Indo-European word meaning 'to shine' or 'to be bright'. So, when you 'argumentar', you are literally 'shining a light' on the truth.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ar.ɡu.men.ˈtar/

US /ar.ɡu.men.ˈtar/

Final syllable (tar)

Rhymes With

Cantar Hablar Pensar Llegar Estar Mirar Amar Saltar

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'g' like 'j' (it should be hard).
Putting stress on 'men' instead of 'tar'.
English speakers often fail to tap the 'r' sound.
Adding an extra 'e' to make it 'argumentear'.
Pronouncing the 'u' like the English 'u' in 'argue' (it should be a pure 'oo' sound).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Common in news and books, easy to recognize.

Writing 5/5

Requires knowledge of subordinate clauses and prepositions.

Speaking 6/5

Hard to use spontaneously without confusing it with 'discutir'.

Listening 3/5

Clear pronunciation, usually easy to catch.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

Porque Razón Idea Decir Opinión

Learn Next

Fundamentar Alegar Persuadir Convencer Refutar

Advanced

Silogismo Premisa Falacia Retórica Dialéctica

Grammar to Know

Use of 'que' after reporting verbs

Él argumenta que la situación es grave.

Indicative vs Subjunctive in claims

No creo que pueda argumentar (Subjunctive after doubt).

Prepositional usage with 'a favor de'

Argumentamos a favor del cambio.

Passive 'se' for objectivity

Se argumenta que el clima está cambiando.

Infinitive as a noun

Argumentar bien es un arte.

Examples by Level

Debes argumentar por qué quieres este libro.

You must argue/say why you want this book.

Simple infinitive after 'debes'.

Él no sabe argumentar su respuesta.

He doesn't know how to argue/explain his answer.

Verb 'saber' + infinitive.

Por favor, argumenta tu decisión.

Please, argue/explain your decision.

Imperative form (tú).

Yo voy a argumentar mi idea.

I am going to argue/explain my idea.

Future with 'ir a'.

¿Puedes argumentar eso?

Can you argue/explain that?

Question with 'poder'.

Ella argumenta muy bien.

She argues very well.

Present tense, 3rd person singular.

Nosotros queremos argumentar el plan.

We want to argue/explain the plan.

Verb 'querer' + infinitive.

Argumentar es importante en la escuela.

Arguing/Explaining is important in school.

Infinitive used as a noun.

El profesor nos pidió argumentar nuestra opinión.

The teacher asked us to argue our opinion.

Preterite tense + infinitive.

Ella argumenta que el ejercicio es bueno.

She argues that exercise is good.

Structure 'argumentar que'.

No es fácil argumentar en otro idioma.

It is not easy to argue in another language.

Impersonal 'es' + adjective + infinitive.

Ellos argumentan a favor de la música clásica.

They argue in favor of classical music.

Phrase 'argumentar a favor de'.

¿Cómo vas a argumentar tu falta?

How are you going to argue/explain your absence?

Future with 'ir a'.

Juan argumentó que no tenía tiempo.

Juan argued that he didn't have time.

Preterite tense.

Necesitamos argumentar mejor nuestras ideas.

We need to argue our ideas better.

Adverb 'mejor' modifying the verb.

Ella siempre argumenta con lógica.

She always argues with logic.

Present tense + prepositional phrase.

El autor intenta argumentar que la paz es posible.

The author tries to argue that peace is possible.

Infinitive after 'intentar'.

Es necesario argumentar en contra de la injusticia.

It is necessary to argue against injustice.

Phrase 'argumentar en contra de'.

Si quieres convencerlo, debes argumentar con hechos.

If you want to convince him, you must argue with facts.

Conditional 'si' + present.

El político argumentó que los impuestos deben bajar.

The politician argued that taxes should go down.

Preterite + subordinate clause.

No basta con decir 'no', hay que argumentar.

It's not enough to say 'no', one must argue.

Impersonal 'hay que'.

Ella sabe argumentar sus puntos de vista con calma.

She knows how to argue her viewpoints calmly.

Verb 'saber' + infinitive.

Estamos aquí para argumentar sobre el nuevo proyecto.

We are here to argue/discuss the new project.

Preposition 'para' indicating purpose.

El informe argumenta la necesidad de cambios.

The report argues the need for changes.

Present tense, inanimate subject.

Se puede argumentar que el arte es subjetivo.

It can be argued that art is subjective.

Impersonal 'se' + 'puede'.

El abogado argumentó brillantemente ante el juez.

The lawyer argued brilliantly before the judge.

Adverb ending in '-mente'.

Es difícil argumentar lo contrario sin evidencias.

It is difficult to argue the opposite without evidence.

Direct object 'lo contrario'.

El ensayo argumenta a favor de la energía solar.

The essay argues in favor of solar energy.

Present tense, formal context.

Ella argumentó que la educación es un derecho humano.

She argued that education is a human right.

Preterite + 'que' + clause.

Debemos argumentar con solidez para ganar el debate.

We must argue solidly to win the debate.

Prepositional phrase 'con solidez'.

Muchos expertos suelen argumentar en contra de esta ley.

Many experts often argue against this law.

Verb 'soler' + infinitive.

Él argumentó motivos de salud para no asistir.

He cited/argued health reasons for not attending.

Direct object 'motivos de salud'.

El filósofo argumenta la inexistencia del libre albedrío.

The philosopher argues the non-existence of free will.

Formal direct object.

Se argumenta, desde una perspectiva marxista, que...

It is argued, from a Marxist perspective, that...

Passive 'se' + parenthetical phrase.

No se puede argumentar basándose únicamente en emociones.

One cannot argue based solely on emotions.

Gerund 'basándose'.

El artículo argumenta de manera exhaustiva el problema.

The article argues the problem exhaustively.

Phrase 'de manera exhaustiva'.

Ella argumentó con vehemencia su posición política.

She argued her political position with vehemence.

Preterite + 'con' + noun.

Resulta imposible argumentar ante tales evidencias.

It turns out to be impossible to argue in the face of such evidence.

Verb 'resultar' + adjective.

El fiscal intentó argumentar la premeditación del crimen.

The prosecutor tried to argue the premeditation of the crime.

Direct object 'la premeditación'.

Habría que argumentar por qué esta medida es ineficaz.

One would have to argue why this measure is ineffective.

Conditional 'habría que'.

La defensa procedió a argumentar la nulidad del proceso.

The defense proceeded to argue the nullity of the proceedings.

Formal phrase 'procedió a'.

Es falaz argumentar que la correlación implica causalidad.

It is fallacious to argue that correlation implies causation.

Adjective 'falaz'.

El autor argumenta magistralmente sobre la ontología.

The author argues masterfully about ontology.

Adverb 'magistralmente'.

Cabe argumentar que la globalización ha sido ambivalente.

It is worth arguing that globalization has been ambivalent.

Formal verb 'cabe'.

Argumentar en el vacío no conduce a ninguna solución.

Arguing in a vacuum does not lead to any solution.

Infinitive as subject.

Su tesis busca argumentar la viabilidad del modelo.

His thesis seeks to argue the viability of the model.

Direct object 'la viabilidad'.

No basta con argumentar; hay que demostrar con actos.

It's not enough to argue; one must demonstrate with acts.

Contrast between 'argumentar' and 'demostrar'.

El orador argumentó con una retórica impecable.

The speaker argued with impeccable rhetoric.

Noun 'retórica'.

Common Collocations

Argumentar con solidez

Argumentar a favor de

Argumentar en contra de

Argumentar que

Argumentar brillantemente

Argumentar con hechos

Argumentar lógicamente

Saber argumentar

Argumentar la inocencia

Argumentar motivos

Common Phrases

Argumentar por argumentar

— To argue just for the sake of arguing, without a real point or purpose.

No me hagas caso, él solo está argumentando por argumentar.

Bien argumentado

— A phrase used to describe a point or essay that is logical and well-supported.

Tu ensayo está muy bien argumentado.

Sin argumentar

— Doing or saying something without providing any reasons.

Tomó la decisión sin argumentar nada.

Difícil de argumentar

— Something that is hard to support with logic or evidence.

Esa es una posición difícil de argumentar.

Argumentar la postura

— To explain and support one's specific position in a debate.

Cada candidato debe argumentar su postura.

Argumentar desde la base

— To build an argument from the ground up starting with basic facts.

Vamos a argumentar desde la base del problema.

Argumentar con datos

— To use statistics or hard information to support a point.

Es mejor argumentar con datos reales.

No hay nada que argumentar

— Used when a situation is so clear that no reasons are needed.

Las pruebas son claras, no hay nada que argumentar.

Argumentar en vano

— To provide reasons that no one listens to or that have no effect.

Siento que estoy argumentando en vano.

Argumentar el caso

— To present the logical points of a specific situation, often legal.

El abogado terminó de argumentar el caso.

Often Confused With

argumentar vs Discutir

English speakers think it means 'to argue/fight', but in Spanish, 'argumentar' is the logical part, and 'discutir' can be the fight.

argumentar vs Pelear

This is a physical or very emotional fight, never logical reasoning.

argumentar vs Resumir

Don't use 'argumentar' to mean 'to summarize the plot' (el argumento).

Idioms & Expressions

"Argumentar con la pared"

— To argue with someone who is not listening or is very stubborn.

Hablar con él es como argumentar con la pared.

Informal

"No tener argumentos"

— To have no logical basis for what one is saying.

Se quedó callado porque no tenía más argumentos.

Neutral

"Caerse los argumentos"

— When someone's reasons are proven wrong and their case falls apart.

Con esa prueba, se le cayeron todos los argumentos.

Neutral

"Armarse de argumentos"

— To prepare oneself with many reasons before a discussion or debate.

Me armé de argumentos antes de hablar con mi jefe.

Neutral

"Argumentos de peso"

— Very strong and convincing reasons.

Presentó argumentos de peso para el cambio.

Formal

"Sacar argumentos de debajo de las piedras"

— To find reasons where there seem to be none, often out of desperation.

Tuvo que sacar argumentos de debajo de las piedras para convencerlos.

Informal

"Argumento de autoridad"

— A logical fallacy where something is argued to be true because an authority says so.

No uses el argumento de autoridad, dame datos.

Academic

"Cerrarse a los argumentos"

— To refuse to listen to reason or logic.

El director se cerró a los argumentos de los empleados.

Neutral

"Hilo argumental"

— The logical thread or plot line of a story or speech.

Perdí el hilo argumental de su discurso.

Formal

"Argumento circular"

— A logical fallacy where the conclusion is among the premises.

Tu razonamiento es un argumento circular.

Academic

Easily Confused

argumentar vs Argumento

It can mean 'a logical reason' or 'the plot of a movie'.

As a noun, it has two meanings; as a verb, it only refers to the act of reasoning.

El argumento de la película es débil, pero el actor sabe argumentar su papel.

argumentar vs Argüir

It's a direct synonym.

Argüir is much more formal and less common in daily speech.

Arguyó que no era su culpa.

argumentar vs Discusión

False friend with English 'discussion'.

A 'discusión' in Spanish often implies a heated argument or fight.

Tuvieron una discusión terrible.

argumentar vs Justificar

Both give reasons.

Justificar is about making something acceptable; argumentar is about logic.

Justifica tus gastos.

argumentar vs Exponer

Both involve speaking.

Exponer is just presenting; argumentar is trying to prove something.

Expuso el tema en clase.

Sentence Patterns

Yo + argumentar + [cosa]

Yo argumento mi idea.

Él/Ella + argumenta + que + [frase]

Ella argumenta que es bueno.

Argumentar + a favor de + [sustantivo]

Argumentar a favor de la paz.

Se + argumenta + que + [frase]

Se argumenta que el plan funciona.

Argumentar + [sustantivo abstracto]

Argumentar la viabilidad del proyecto.

Cabe + argumentar + que...

Cabe argumentar que la historia se repite.

Debes + argumentar + con + [hechos/datos]

Debes argumentar con hechos.

No basta con + argumentar

No basta con argumentar, hay que actuar.

Word Family

Nouns

Argumento (Argument/Reason)

Argumentación (Argumentation)

Argumentador (Arguer)

Verbs

Argumentar (To argue)

Argüir (To argue/infer)

Adjectives

Argumentativo (Argumentative)

Argumentado (Argued/Supported)

Lógica

Premisa

Conclusión

Prueba

Evidencia

How to Use It

frequency

Common in professional and academic settings; rare in casual street slang.

Common Mistakes

Using it for fighting. → Discutir / Pelear.
'Argumentar' is logical; 'discutir' is emotional or for disagreements.
Spelling it as 'argumentear'. → Argumentar.
It is a regular -ar verb, no extra 'e' is needed.
Saying 'argumentar con que'. → Argumentar que.
You don't need 'con' before the 'que' clause.
Using it to summarize a plot. → Resumir el argumento.
'Argumentar' is an action of logic, not a summary of a story.
Putting stress on the wrong syllable. → argumenTAR.
In the infinitive, the stress is always on the last syllable.

Tips

Use 'que' for clarity

Always remember to use 'que' after 'argumentar' when you are about to state your main point. It functions as a bridge to your logical claim.

Learn the family

If you know 'argumentar', you already know 'argumento' and 'argumentativo'. Using the whole word family makes your Spanish sound more natural and rich.

Courtroom vs. Kitchen

Use 'argumentar' in the courtroom (formal settings) and 'discutir' in the kitchen (informal settings) to avoid sounding like a textbook.

The power of 'Se'

In essays, using 'Se argumenta que...' makes your writing sound objective and academic, which is highly valued in Spanish educational systems.

Connectors are key

When you 'argumentas', use logical connectors like 'por lo tanto' (therefore) or 'debido a' (due to) to make your reasoning easy to follow.

Logic over Emotion

If you find yourself getting emotional, you are likely no longer 'argumentando' but 'discutiendo'. 'Argumentar' requires a cool head.

Watch the news

Spanish news programs are great places to hear 'argumentar' used in its natural habitat—political and social debates.

B1/B2 Exams

In the oral part of DELE or SIELE, use 'argumentar' to justify your opinions. It shows the examiner you have a high-level vocabulary.

Shine a light

Remember the Latin root meaning 'to shine'. When you 'argumentar', you are trying to make the truth shine through your words.

Tone check

If you hear 'argumentar' in a podcast, prepare for a deep dive into a topic. It signals that the speaker is about to be very thorough.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of an 'Argument' in a 'Tar' pit. To get out, you need logical steps (argumentar).

Visual Association

Imagine a lawyer in a courtroom holding a bright lamp (the light of logic) over a document.

Word Web

Lógica Razón Prueba Debate Ensayo Convencer Persuadir Ideas

Challenge

Try to 'argumentar' why your favorite food is the best using three logical points in Spanish.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'argumentari', which means to provide proof or to clarify.

Original meaning: To make clear, to prove, or to represent.

Romance (Latin root)

Cultural Context

Be careful not to sound too 'pedante' (pedantic) by using 'argumentar' in very casual situations where 'decir' or 'explicar' would suffice.

English speakers often use 'argue' for fighting. In Spanish, 'argumentar' is more prestigious and less emotional.

The Socratic Method (el método socrático) is the ultimate form of 'argumentar'. Don Quijote often tries to 'argumentar' his chivalry to Sancho Panza. Legal dramas like 'La ley y el orden' focus on 'argumentar' cases.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

University Essay

En este ensayo voy a argumentar que...
Como se puede argumentar...
Es vital argumentar basándose en...
El autor argumenta...

Job Interview

Permítame argumentar mi experiencia.
Puedo argumentar por qué soy el mejor candidato.
Sé argumentar mis decisiones bajo presión.
Me gusta argumentar mis propuestas con datos.

Legal Proceedings

El abogado argumentó la inocencia.
Se argumentó que no había pruebas.
Procederemos a argumentar el caso.
La fiscalía argumentó premeditación.

Debate Club

Mi equipo va a argumentar a favor de...
Usted no sabe argumentar su punto.
Es hora de argumentar con lógica.
¿Cómo puede argumentar eso?

Scientific Research

Los datos permiten argumentar que...
Es difícil argumentar la validez del estudio.
El investigador argumentó su hallazgo.
Debemos argumentar cada paso del proceso.

Conversation Starters

"¿Podrías argumentar por qué prefieres vivir en la ciudad en lugar del campo?"

"Si tuvieras que argumentar a favor de una semana laboral de cuatro días, ¿qué dirías?"

"¿Cómo le argumentarías a tu jefe que mereces un aumento de sueldo?"

"¿Qué puntos usarías para argumentar que viajar es la mejor forma de aprender?"

"¿Es posible argumentar que la inteligencia artificial es peligrosa para la humanidad?"

Journal Prompts

Escribe un párrafo para argumentar por qué tu libro favorito es una obra maestra.

Imagina que eres un abogado. Argumenta la defensa de un personaje de cuento de hadas (ej. el lobo feroz).

Argumenta a favor o en contra del uso de redes sociales en las escuelas.

Describe una situación en la que tuviste que argumentar fuertemente para conseguir algo.

¿Por qué es importante saber argumentar en una democracia? Escribe tus razones.

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Technically, yes, if you are providing logical reasons for being angry. However, usually, if you are fighting, you would say 'estamos discutiendo' or 'nos estamos peleando'. Using 'argumentar' makes it sound like you are in a formal debate even while angry.

An 'argumento' is a single reason or a piece of evidence. 'Argumentación' is the whole process or the set of arguments used to support a point. For example: 'Tu primer argumento es bueno, pero la argumentación general es débil'.

Yes, in legal contexts, they are almost identical. A lawyer 'argumenta un caso' (argues a case) just like in English. It is a formal, structured presentation of facts and laws.

You say 'ensayo argumentativo'. This is a very common requirement in Spanish high schools and universities, where students must take a stance and support it with logic.

No. The plot is 'el argumento' (noun), but you don't 'argumentar' a plot. You 'resumes el argumento' or 'cuentas la trama'. The verb 'argumentar' is only for logical reasoning.

The most common is 'que' (to introduce a clause). For stances, 'a favor de' and 'en contra de' are the standard prepositions.

Yes, 'argumentar' is a completely regular -ar verb. It follows the same conjugation patterns as 'hablar' or 'cantar' in all tenses.

Absolutely. It is the standard verb used to describe how scientists support their hypotheses with data and logical deductions.

A 'contraargumento' is a counter-argument. It is a reason or evidence provided to refute or oppose a previous argument. The verb is 'contraargumentar'.

Usually, yes. The goal of 'argumentar' is typically persuasion or the demonstration of truth. If you are just giving information without a persuasive goal, you are likely just 'explicando'.