Translation guide
The English word "dissension" refers to strong disagreement or conflict within a group. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this depends on the context: whether it's a formal dispute, a personal quarrel, or a general lack of harmony. This guide covers common Japanese expressions for disagreement, conflict, and discord, from formal terms to everyday phrases.
To express that there is serious disagreement, conflict, or discord among members of a group, organization, or team.
A general term for discord, friction, or bad relations between people. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but is slightly formal. Often used in phrases like 不和が生じる (discord arises) or 不和を招く (cause discord).
チーム内に不和が生じている。
There is dissension within the team.
その決定が党内の不和を招いた。
That decision caused dissension within the party.
Refers to confrontation, opposition, or conflict between parties. It emphasizes a clear division or clash of opinions/interests. Common in news and formal writing.
党内で激しい対立が続いている。
There is intense dissension within the party.
意見の対立が表面化した。
The dissension of opinions came to the surface.
A formal term for dispute, conflict, or strife. Often used for larger-scale or prolonged conflicts, such as labor disputes, international conflicts, or legal battles. Can sound too heavy for minor disagreements.
労働紛争が長期化している。
The labor dissension is becoming protracted.
Specifically means internal strife or infighting within an organization. Very close to the core meaning of 'dissension' when it occurs inside a group.
会社は内紛で揺れている。
The company is shaken by internal dissension.
A literary or formal term for friction, discord, or conflict between people or groups. Often used in political or organizational contexts. Not common in everyday speech.
両派の間に軋轢が生じた。
Dissension arose between the two factions.
To describe a general atmosphere or condition where people do not agree or get along, without necessarily implying open conflict.
Means disagreement, discrepancy, or lack of consensus. It is a neutral, factual term often used in formal contexts like meetings or reports.
意見の不一致が目立った。
Dissension of opinions was noticeable.
Refers to a falling-out or estrangement between people who were previously on good terms. It implies a personal rift rather than ideological conflict.
To express the action of creating discord or disagreement among people.
A common phrase meaning 'to cause discord' or 'to invite dissension'. It is neutral in register and widely used.
彼の発言がチームの不和を招いた。
His remarks caused dissension in the team.
Means 'to cause a split/division'. Stronger than mere disagreement; implies the group may break apart.
その問題が党内の分裂を引き起こした。
The issue caused dissension that split the party.
Literally 'to fan the flames of conflict'. It means to deliberately stir up dissension or confrontation.
彼はわざと対立を煽っている。
He is deliberately sowing dissension.
不和 (friction/discord) is a general state of bad relations. 対立 (confrontation) emphasizes a clear opposition of opinions or interests. 紛争 (dispute/conflict) is more formal and often implies a prolonged, possibly legal or organized conflict. For everyday group disagreements, 不和 or 対立 are more natural than 紛争.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches all uses of 'dissension'. Translating it directly as 不一致 or 不和 may sound unnatural if the context is about a minor disagreement. Choose the word based on the severity and nature of the conflict.
Literally 'dissonance' (musical), but metaphorically means discord or disharmony in relationships or groups. It suggests a jarring lack of harmony.
会議で不協和音が生じた。
Dissension arose at the meeting.
小さなことで仲違いした。
They had a dissension over a small matter.