Translation guide
The English verb "argue" covers several distinct meanings: having a verbal fight, presenting reasons for or against something, and showing evidence of something. Japanese uses different words and patterns for each. Direct translation often fails.
Express that people are quarreling, bickering, or having a heated exchange of words.
They argued all night. · Stop arguing with me! · We argued about politics.
They argued about money.
Literally 'word-fight'. Emphasizes the back-and-forth exchange of words in a dispute.
The siblings were arguing about the rules of the game.
Common word for a fight or quarrel, which can be verbal or physical. Often implies a more emotional or childish dispute.
The couple argued over something trivial.
Formal word for a dispute or controversy, often used in academic, political, or public contexts.
Experts are arguing about the policy.
Express that someone is giving logical reasons to support or oppose an idea, in a discussion or debate.
She argued convincingly for the proposal. · The lawyer argued that his client was innocent. · He argued against raising taxes.
To assert, claim, or argue a point. Commonly used when someone puts forward their opinion with reasoning.
He argued that a new law was necessary.
To discuss, debate, or argue a topic in a structured way. Often used in formal or academic contexts.
Pattern: [statement] と主張する. The most direct way to say 'argue that...' in the sense of asserting a position.
To argue against, object, or make a counterargument. Used when specifically opposing someone else's point.
To advocate, preach, or argue for a principle or cause. Often used for moral or ideological arguments.
Express that facts, data, or circumstances provide evidence for a conclusion.
The evidence argues for a different conclusion. · His actions argue that he is guilty. · The data argues against that theory.
Pattern: [evidence] は [conclusion] を示している. Means 'shows' or 'indicates', often used to say that evidence argues for a certain interpretation.
This data argues that the economy is recovering.
Literally 'becomes evidence for'. Used when something serves as proof or argues in favor of a conclusion.
To suggest, imply, or hint. Often used when evidence indirectly argues for something.
議論する (ぎろんする) means 'to discuss' or 'to debate' in a structured, often formal way. It does not mean 'to have a heated argument' like a couple fighting. Use 口論する or 喧嘩する for that.
They are always arguing about money.
主張する is for asserting a personal opinion or claim, often with conviction. 論じる is for discussing or analyzing a topic in a more detached, academic manner. If you want to say 'I argue that...' in a debate, 主張する is usually better.
When you want to say 'argue that [clause]', the most natural pattern is [clause] と主張する. The clause should end in plain form. For example: 彼は必要ないと主張した (He argued that it wasn't necessary).
She argued that the plan was flawed.
Presenting a reasoned point
The evidence argues for a different approach.
Evidence suggests
この論文では教育の重要性を論じている。
This paper argues the importance of education.
Experts argue that climate change is accelerating.
She argued against the proposal.
He argued for the importance of non-violence.
This discovery argues for the theory.
The results argue for a different interpretation.