provocar polémica
verbCEFR B2
What does “provocar polémica” mean in English?
to spark controversy, to generate serious debate
to spark controversy, to generate serious debate (weightier than causar revuelo; genuinely divisive disagreement)
Example sentences
La propuesta de reforma del sistema educativo ha provocado una polémica enorme en todos los sectores.
The proposed education system reform has sparked enormous controversy across all sectors.
Sus comentarios sobre la inmigración provocaron polémica en redes sociales durante varios días.
His comments on immigration sparked controversy on social media for several days.
Hay decisiones que, por inevitables que sean, siempre provocan polémica.
There are decisions that, however unavoidable they may be, always spark controversy.
How to use it
Provocar polémica means 'to spark controversy', 'to generate debate', 'to stir up controversy'. It is a collocation implying that something generates serious disagreement with social or political weight. Construction: provocar polémica (+ en torno a / sobre): 'provocar polémica sobre la gestión de la crisis'. Contrast with causar revuelo (lighter, more about excitement/buzz) and generar debate (neutral: to generate debate, less negative).
Common mistake
Provocar polémica is more serious than causar revuelo — it implies genuine, potentially damaging disagreement on a substantive issue. Generar debate is more neutral (debate can be positive). Don't use *crear polémica (non-standard collocation) — always provocar. The article: una polémica (when quantified) or provocar polémica (no article, plain collocation).