Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing the idea of 'quarreling' depends on the intensity, relationship, and context. Common words range from everyday arguments to serious fights.
To describe a verbal disagreement or quarrel between people, often in casual or family settings.
The most common word for a quarrel or fight, ranging from verbal arguments to physical fights. Used for both children and adults.
兄弟でよく喧嘩をする。
The siblings often quarrel.
昨日、友達と喧嘩した。
I quarreled with my friend yesterday.
A more formal term for a verbal dispute or argument, emphasizing the exchange of words rather than physicality.
彼らは政治について口論していた。
They were quarreling about politics.
Literally 'word-fight', a verbal quarrel or dispute. Slightly more formal than 喧嘩.
夫婦の言い争いが絶えない。
The couple's quarreling never ends.
A common phrase meaning 'to have a verbal quarrel', combining 'mouth' (口) and 'fight' (喧嘩).
子供たちがおもちゃのことで口げんかをしている。
The children are quarreling over toys.
To describe a prolonged or intense quarrel, often involving deep disagreements or hostility.
A general term for conflict, dispute, or strife, which can be verbal or physical, and often implies a more serious or ongoing situation.
相続争いが続いている。
The inheritance quarrel continues.
Used for disputes, conflicts, or quarrels, often in legal, political, or international contexts.
A quarrel, trouble, or discord, often used for interpersonal or family disputes that cause ongoing friction.
To express the ongoing act of quarreling, often using verb forms.
The te-iru form of 喧嘩する, indicating an ongoing quarrel or a state of being in a fight.
隣の部屋で誰かが喧嘩している。
Someone is quarreling in the next room.
From 言い合う (to say to each other), implying a back-and-forth verbal quarrel.
彼らはいつも言い合っている。
They are always quarreling.
English often uses the gerund 'quarreling' as a noun, but Japanese typically uses nouns like 喧嘩 or 口論, or verb phrases like 喧嘩している. Directly translating the -ing form can sound unnatural.
喧嘩 can be physical or verbal and is used in casual contexts. 口論 is strictly verbal and more formal. For everyday arguments, 喧嘩 is the safer choice.
領土紛争が激化している。
The territorial dispute is intensifying.
近所との揉め事に巻き込まれた。
I got involved in a quarrel with the neighbors.