Riitellä

Riitellä is a Finnish verb that translates to "to quarrel," "to bicker," or "to dispute" in English. It describes a situation where two or more individuals are engaged in a disagreement or argument, often characterized by heated words and a lack of resolution. The term can be used to describe anything from a minor spat between friends to a more serious dispute between parties.

The nuances of "riitellä" suggest a prolonged or recurring conflict rather than a single, isolated incident. It implies a state of discord where tensions remain high. The verb can be applied to verbal arguments, but also to more general states of disagreement or conflict between groups. For instance, one might say "maat riitelevät" meaning "countries are quarreling."

In a broader sense, "riitellä" can also be used metaphorically to describe a struggle or a clash of opposing forces, even in non-human contexts. For example, one might speak of the elements "riitelemässä" which could be translated as "the elements are clashing." The specific context usually clarifies the intended meaning of the verb.