Vocabulary
말다툼
verbal argument
Meaning
A quarrel or hostile exchange of words, without necessarily involving physical violence.
Why this form?
싸우다 — argue or fight: a broader verb that can also involve physical fighting; 말다툼 specifically names a verbal quarrel.
Natural usage
말다툼하다: argue verbally; 말다툼을 벌이다: engage in a quarrel.
Forms not to confuse
싸우다
두 사람이 싸우고 있어요. — The two people are arguing.
Examples
두 남자가 말다툼을 하고 있다. — Two men are arguing.
작은 말다툼이 큰 싸움으로 번졌어요. — A minor verbal quarrel grew into a major fight.