Translation guide
How to express 'quarrel' in Japanese, covering arguments, disputes, and fights.
To express having a heated verbal disagreement or argument with someone.
A general term for a verbal quarrel or argument. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to quarrel'.
I got into a quarrel with him.
The quarrel soon subsided.
Common word for a quarrel or fight, ranging from verbal arguments to physical fights. Often used with する.
The siblings often quarrel.
We quarreled over something trivial.
A verbal dispute or argument. Slightly more formal than 喧嘩. Can be used with する.
Quarrels never cease.
A verbal quarrel, specifically a 'mouth fight'. Emphasizes the verbal aspect.
Married couples often have quarrels.
To describe a small, often trivial quarrel or squabble.
To express a quarrel that involves physical fighting.
To express a serious disagreement that leads to a rift in a relationship.
To express the act of starting a quarrel intentionally.
喧嘩 is the most common and can refer to both verbal and physical fights. 口論 is strictly verbal and slightly more formal. 言い争い is also verbal but emphasizes the back-and-forth of an argument.
A 口論 is only words, but a 喧嘩 can sometimes get physical.
English 'quarrel' as a verb is often translated using 喧嘩する or 口論する, but in many contexts, it's more natural to use a noun form with になる or がある. For example, 'They quarreled' is often better as 喧嘩になった rather than 喧嘩した, depending on the nuance.
There was a little quarrel.
乱闘になって警察が呼ばれた。
It turned into a brawl and the police were called.
A quarrel arose within the family.
To pick a quarrel by making a false accusation or finding fault unreasonably.
He picked a quarrel and started a fight.