Words
debate vs discuss — formal argument vs open conversation
A side-by-side comparison of meaning, examples, and nuance.
debate
/dɪˈbeɪt/
discussion, argument
A formal discussion on a particular matter in a public meeting or legislative assembly, in which opposing arguments are put forward and which usually ends with a vote.
discuss
/dɪˈskʌs/
talk about, debate
To talk about something with someone else.
Core difference
"Debate" suggests a formal, structured argument where two sides try to persuade each other — like a political debate. "Discuss" is softer: you exchange opinions and look for a shared answer. "We debated the new policy for hours" vs "Let's discuss the new policy."
Translations of debate and discuss in 14 languages
| Language | debate | discuss |
|---|---|---|
| 한국어 | 토론, 논쟁 | 논의하다, 이야기하다 |
| English | discussion, argument | talk about, debate |
| 简体中文 | 辩论, 争论 | 讨论 |
| 繁體中文 | 辯論, 爭論 | 討論 |
| 日本語 | 討論, 議論 | 話し合う、議論する |
| Tiếng Việt | tranh luận, tranh cãi | thảo luận, bàn bạc |
| Português | debate | discutir, conversar sobre |
| Français | débat | discuter de |
| Deutsch | Debatte | besprechen, diskutieren |
| Español | debate | discutir, hablar de |
| Монгол | мэтгэлцээн, маргаан | хэлэлцэх, ярилцах |
| Bahasa Indonesia | debat | membahas, mendiskusikan |
| Bahasa Melayu | perbahasan | membincangkan |
| ไทย | การโต้วาที | อภิปราย, พูดคุย |
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