luchar

Luchar is a Spanish verb of the first conjugation (-ar) that broadly means to fight, to wrestle, or to struggle. It can refer to physical combat as well as to non-physical efforts against obstacles, opposition, or danger. The verb is commonly used with contra to denote opposition (luchar contra alguien o algo) or with por to express striving for a goal or cause (luchar por la igualdad, luchar por la vida).

Etymology: The word derives from Late Latin luctari, from the root luct-, meaning struggle or distress. It is cognate with French lutter, Portuguese lutar, and Italian lottare, reflecting shared Romance-language roots.

Conjugation: Luchar is regular in its endings. Present indicative: lucho, luchas, lucha, luchamos, lucháis, luchan. Preterite (simple past): luché, luchaste, luchó, luchamos, luchasteis, lucharon. Imperfect: luchaba, luchabas, luchaba, luchábamos, luchabais, luchaban. Present subjunctive: luche, luches, luche, luchemos, luchéis, luchen. Imperative: lucha (tú), luche (usted), luchemos (nosotros), luchad (vosotros), luchen (ustedes). Participles: luchando; luchado.

Usage notes: Luchar covers both physical fighting and broader struggles, including political, social, or personal battles. It is common in phrases such as luchar contra la pobreza (fight against poverty) or luchar por los derechos humanos (fight for human rights). The verb pelear tends to emphasize physical fighting, while luchar often implies sustained effort or moral opposition. Example: She lucha por mejorar su salud. Expressions include luchar contra viento y marea (to fight against all odds).