Translation guide
Describes a psychological or emotional conflict within a person. In Japanese, this is expressed through specific nouns, verbs, and idiomatic phrases that convey inner turmoil, indecision, or moral conflict.
Expressing a broad sense of internal struggle, such as conflicting emotions or thoughts.
The most direct and common way to say 'internal struggle' or 'inner conflict'. 心 (こころ) means 'heart/mind', and 葛藤 (かっとう) means 'conflict/struggle'.
彼は心の葛藤に苦しんでいる。
He is suffering from an internal struggle.
A noun meaning 'conflict' or 'struggle', often used in psychological contexts. Can stand alone or combine with other words.
彼女は仕事と家庭の間で葛藤している。
She is struggling between work and family.
Literally 'inner conflict', emphasizing the internal nature. 内なる (うちなる) is a literary way to say 'inner'.
彼は内なる葛藤と向き合った。
He faced his inner struggle.
Describing a struggle between right and wrong, or conflicting moral choices.
Means 'pangs of conscience' or 'remorse'. Used when the internal struggle involves guilt or moral conflict.
彼は良心の呵責に耐えられなかった。
He couldn't bear the internal struggle of his conscience.
Literally 'caught between two boards', meaning to be torn between two choices or loyalties. Often used for interpersonal dilemmas.
上司と部下の板挟みになって苦しい。
I'm torn between my boss and my subordinates, and it's painful.
From English 'dilemma', used to describe being in a difficult situation with no good options. More formal or analytical.
彼は道徳的ジレンマに陥った。
He fell into a moral dilemma.
Expressing intense inner pain, confusion, or emotional upheaval.
Means 'one's heart/mind is disturbed'. A natural way to describe emotional turmoil.
その知らせを聞いて心が乱れた。
Hearing that news, I was emotionally disturbed.
A noun meaning 'anguish' or 'torment', often used in literary or psychological contexts.
彼は懊悩の末に決断した。
After much internal struggle, he made a decision.
Describing the internal struggle of being unable to decide or commit.
Means 'to have hesitation/doubt'. A common way to express inner conflict about a decision.
彼の心にはまだ迷いがある。
He still has an internal struggle (about the decision).
Literally 'one's heart wavers', meaning to be emotionally swayed or indecisive.
二つの選択肢の間で心が揺れている。
I'm wavering between two options.
A formal noun meaning 'hesitation' or 'indecision'. Often used in written language.
葛藤 (かっとう) implies a deeper, often psychological conflict between opposing forces, while 迷い (まよい) is more about hesitation or indecision in a specific situation. Use 葛藤 for serious inner struggles and 迷い for everyday doubts.
The English phrase 'internal struggle' is often translated directly as 内部の闘争 (ないぶのとうそう), but this sounds unnatural and overly political or physical. Stick to the expressions above for psychological contexts.
Means 'to writhe in agony' or 'struggle painfully'. Emphasizes the active, painful aspect of inner struggle.
彼は自分の弱さにもがき苦しんだ。
He struggled painfully with his own weakness.
彼は逡巡の後、申し出を受け入れた。
After some internal struggle, he accepted the offer.