noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
battle; fight; military engagement
Used especially for battles between armed groups, often in historical, narrative, or stylized contexts. For modern military action, 戦闘 may sound more technical and current.
関ヶ原の合戦は日本史の大きな転機だった。
The Battle of Sekigahara was a major turning point in Japanese history.
両
The two armies fought a battle across the river.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb
contest; competitive fight; battle for something
Also used in compounds and figurative expressions for a contest or rivalry, such as 雪合戦, 歌合戦, 安売り合戦, and 票取り合戦.
子どもたちが公園で雪合戦をしている。
The children are having a snowball fight in the park.
駅前ではスーパー同士の安売り合戦が続いている。
The supermarkets in front of the station are continuing their price-cutting battle.