Translation guide
A dispute or argument between family members. Japanese has several common expressions, ranging from general terms to more specific or colloquial ones.
To refer to a fight or argument within a family in a neutral way.
The most direct and common term for a family quarrel. It combines 'family' (家族) and 'fight/quarrel' (喧嘩).
I had a family quarrel yesterday.
Family quarrels are common.
Literally 'within-the-home quarrel'. Slightly more formal or descriptive, often used in contexts like counseling or news.
There are constant family quarrels.
Refers to an internal dispute or infighting, often within a family or close-knit group. Has a nuance of discord that may be hidden from outsiders.
A family quarrel broke out over the inheritance.
To specify a fight or argument between a parent and child.
Specifically a quarrel between parent(s) and child(ren). Very common and natural.
The parent-child quarrel became intense.
To refer to a fight or argument between brothers and/or sisters.
Specifically a quarrel between siblings. '兄弟' can refer to brothers only or siblings in general.
When I was a child, I often had sibling quarrels.
To refer to a marital dispute or argument between spouses.
Specifically a quarrel between a married couple. Very common.
A marital quarrel is something even a dog won't touch (proverb meaning outsiders shouldn't interfere).
To refer to a family quarrel in a formal, legal, or serious context, such as domestic violence or court cases.
A formal term for domestic dispute, often used in legal or counseling settings.
Resolving a domestic dispute takes time.
喧嘩 (けんか) is the most common word for a quarrel or fight, often implying a verbal argument or physical scuffle. 揉め事 (もめごと) refers to trouble or discord, often more prolonged and less physical. 争い (あらそい) is a broader term for conflict or dispute, and can be used for legal or serious conflicts. For family quarrels, 喧嘩 is the most natural in everyday speech.
Family troubles are continuing.
The family split due to an inheritance dispute.
While 家族喧嘩 is a general term, it may sound too casual for serious legal disputes. In such cases, use 家庭内紛争 or 家庭内暴力 (domestic violence) if applicable. Also, 喧嘩 can imply a physical fight, so if the quarrel is purely verbal, context usually clarifies, but you can use 口喧嘩 (くちげんか) for a verbal argument.
I'm constantly having quarrels with my teenage son.
Sibling quarrels are a sign of growing up.
We had a marital quarrel over something trivial.