skirmish; minor battle; brush with the enemy
Refers to a small-scale military engagement or a brief clash between opposing forces.
A skirmish broke out near the border.
両軍の小競り合いはすぐに収まった。
The minor battle between the two armies quickly subsided.
squabble; petty quarrel; bickering
Used for minor verbal disputes or arguments, often between people who know each other well.
夫婦の小競り合いは絶えない。
The couple's petty quarrels never end.
会議で小競り合いが起きたが、すぐに解決した。
A squabble broke out in the meeting, but it was quickly resolved.