Translation guide
The English word "clash" covers several distinct meanings: a loud noise, a conflict or disagreement, a visual mismatch, and a scheduling conflict. This guide breaks down each meaning and provides natural Japanese expressions.
To express a strong disagreement, fight, or conflict between people, groups, or ideas.
The most direct and common translation for a clash, covering physical collisions, conflicts of opinion, and clashes of interest. Can be used as a noun or a suru-verb (衝突する).
The police clashed with the demonstrators.
Their opinions often clash.
Emphasizes a state of opposition or confrontation, often used for ideological or political clashes. Can be a noun or suru-verb (対立する).
The two political parties are fiercely clashing.
A more casual, everyday verb meaning to bump into or clash. Can be used for physical collisions or metaphorical clashes of opinions/schedules.
I always clash with him over opinions.
Refers to a dispute, quarrel, or strife. More formal and often used in legal or serious contexts.
The clash over territory continues.
To describe a loud, harsh sound, like metal hitting metal or cymbals.
Literally 'collision sound', used for the noise of things crashing together.
I heard the clash of cars.
Onomatopoeic phrase for a clashing or clanging sound, like metal objects hitting each other.
The pots made a clashing sound.
Describes the sound of things striking each other repeatedly, like swords clashing.
The clash of swords echoed.
To say that colors or patterns do not look good together.
The most common way to say colors or clothes don't match or clash. Literally 'do not fit together'.
That red and pink clash.
A more formal way to say something is not harmonious or clashes aesthetically.
That color combination clashes.
Can be used metaphorically for colors clashing, but sounds a bit strong or technical.
The wall color and curtain color clash.
To say that two events or appointments happen at the same time and cannot both be attended.
The most natural way to say schedules clash. Literally 'overlap'. Often used as 予定が重なる (schedules overlap/clash).
The meeting times clashed.
A loanword from English 'batting', used informally to mean schedules clash. Common in casual conversation.
That time clashes for me.
Can be used for schedule conflicts, but sounds more formal and less natural than 重なる.
衝突 (shoutotsu) implies a direct, often physical or sharp clash, while 対立 (tairitsu) suggests a more sustained state of opposition or confrontation, often ideological. For a brief argument, 衝突 is better; for ongoing political tension, 対立 is more appropriate.
When describing colors that don't match, avoid directly translating 'clash' as 衝突する (shoutotsu suru) in casual contexts. It sounds overly dramatic. Use 合わない (awanai) instead.
That day clashes with another appointment.
スケジュールが衝突して参加できません。
My schedule clashes so I cannot attend.