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A2 verb #3,000 le plus courant 10 min de lecture

戦う

tatakau Top 3,000

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces 戦う en 30 secondes

Explication 戦う in your Level:

At the A1 level, learners should focus on the most basic meaning of 'tatakau': to fight or to play a game against someone. At this stage, it is often introduced in the context of simple sports or basic action sentences. You might encounter it in the 'te-form' (tatakatte) in simple commands or descriptions. The goal is to understand that 'tatakau' involves two sides in a conflict or competition. For example, 'Sakkā de tatakau' (to fight/play in soccer). A1 learners should primarily use the polite form 'tatakaimasu' and the dictionary form 'tatakau'. It is also useful for A1 learners to recognize the word in video games, where the 'Fight' button is labeled '戦う'. At this level, don't worry about the abstract meanings like 'fighting for justice' or 'fighting illness'; focus on the physical or sporting 'fight'. Remember that the person you are fighting is followed by the particle 'to'. This simple structure—[Opponent] to tatakau—is the foundation for all future usage. You should also learn the past tense 'tatakatta' to describe a game that already happened. Avoid confusing it with 'asobu' (to play), as 'tatakau' implies a winner and a loser, whereas 'asobu' is just for fun.

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At the A2 level, you begin to use 'tatakau' in a wider variety of everyday situations. You should be comfortable using it to describe sports matches, school competitions, and basic personal challenges. For instance, you can say 'Nemuke to tatakau' (fighting sleepiness) when you are tired in class. This shows an understanding that 'tatakau' can be used for internal struggles, not just external ones. You should also start using the 'tame ni' construction: 'Katsu tame ni tatakau' (fight in order to win). This adds motivation and purpose to the verb. At A2, you should also be aware of the potential form 'tatakaeru' (can fight) and the negative form 'tatakawanai'. Understanding the difference between 'tatakau' and 'kenka suru' (quarrel) becomes important here. You wouldn't 'tatakau' with your mom about chores; that's a 'kenka'. But you would 'tatakau' in a kendo match at school. You might also start seeing the kanji 戦 more often in signs or headlines. Practice using the particle 'de' to specify where the fight is happening, such as 'taiikukan de tatakau' (fighting in the gym). This level is about expanding the context from just 'fighting' to 'fighting for a reason' and 'fighting in a specific place'.

At the B1 level, 'tatakau' moves into more abstract and social territories. You should be able to use it to discuss social issues, such as 'fub平等と戦う' (fighting against inequality) or 'kankyō mondai to tatakau' (fighting against environmental problems). The nuance shifts from literal physical combat to 'struggling for a cause'. You will also encounter the alternative kanji '闘う' in reading materials, which is specifically used for these non-physical, abstract struggles. B1 learners should understand the causative form 'tatakawaseru' (to make/let someone fight), often used when talking about coaches or leaders. You should also be able to use 'tatakau' in conditional sentences, like 'Moshi tatakattara, katsu to omoimasu' (If we fight, I think we will win). This level requires a better grasp of the 'te-iru' form to describe ongoing struggles, such as a long-term battle with a disease or a prolonged legal battle. You will start hearing 'tatakau' in news broadcasts more frequently, and you should be able to identify who is fighting whom and for what reason. The vocabulary surrounding 'tatakau' also expands to include words like 'tekishu' (opponent) and 'shōri' (victory).

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At the B2 level, you should have a sophisticated understanding of the nuances and registers of 'tatakau'. You can distinguish between 'tatakau', 'arasou', and 'kisou' (to compete). You understand that 'tatakau' carries a certain weight and intensity. You can use it in metaphorical ways, such as 'unmei to tatakau' (fighting against fate) or 'jibun no yowasa to tatakau' (fighting one's own weakness). B2 learners should be comfortable with formal and humble forms if necessary, though 'tatakau' itself is rarely used in humble speech. You will encounter 'tatakau' in literature and more complex news reports, where it might be part of a larger compound or used in a poetic sense. You should also be aware of the historical context of the word, including its association with samurai culture and the 'Bushido' code. At this level, you can participate in debates about social or political 'battles' using the word correctly. You should also understand common idioms and set phrases involving 'tatakau'. Your ability to use the correct particle ('to', 'ni', or 'de') should be nearly perfect, reflecting the specific nuance you want to convey. You are also expected to recognize the word in various written styles, from casual social media posts to formal editorials.

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At the C1 level, your use of 'tatakau' is near-native in its complexity. You can use the word to discuss philosophical concepts of conflict and resolution. You understand the subtle differences in tone when using 'tatakau' versus more academic terms like 'sentō' or 'kōsō'. You can interpret the word in classical or archaic contexts, such as historical dramas (Jidaigeki) where the language might be slightly different. C1 learners can use 'tatakau' to describe complex psychological states, such as the 'inner battle' between duty and desire (giri and ninjō). You are also adept at using the word in professional settings, such as discussing market competition or legal strategies, where you might use the word to emphasize the seriousness of the company's position. You can write essays or give presentations on topics like 'The History of Fighting in Japan' or 'Modern Struggles in Society', using 'tatakau' and its related vocabulary accurately and with stylistic flair. Your understanding of the kanji variations (戦 vs 闘) is complete, and you can choose the one that best fits the specific nuance of your writing. You also recognize the word's use in slogans, propaganda, and advertisements, understanding the emotional weight it is intended to carry.

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At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of 'tatakau'. You can use it with the same flexibility and precision as a highly educated native speaker. This includes using it in creative writing, poetry, or high-level academic discourse. You understand the deep cultural and historical resonances of the word, from its roots in ancient Japanese warfare to its modern applications in corporate culture and sports. You can analyze how the word is used in different genres of literature to convey character development or thematic depth. Your ability to use 'tatakau' extends to its most obscure or idiomatic forms. You can effortlessly switch between different registers and synonyms to suit any audience or purpose. You are also able to identify and explain the subtle nuances of 'tatakau' in various dialects or historical periods if necessary. At this level, the word is not just a verb but a tool for sophisticated expression, allowing you to articulate the finest shades of human struggle, competition, and perseverance. You can also critique the use of the word in media or political rhetoric, identifying when it is being used to evoke specific emotions or to frame a conflict in a particular way.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

戦う en 30 secondes

A versatile verb meaning 'to fight' in physical, competitive, and abstract contexts.
Commonly used in sports, gaming, and descriptions of personal or social struggles.
Requires the particle 'to' for the opponent and 'de' for the means or location.
Distinguishable from 'kenka suru' (quarrel) by its sense of purpose and scale.

The Japanese verb 戦う (tatakau) is a fundamental pillar of the Japanese language, representing the concept of struggle, competition, and combat. At its most basic level, it translates to 'to fight' or 'to battle.' However, its usage extends far beyond physical altercations. In Japanese culture, the concept of 'tatakau' is deeply intertwined with the spirit of perseverance, sportsmanship, and the human condition of overcoming obstacles. Whether a samurai is engaging in a historical battle, a modern athlete is competing in the Olympics, or a salaryman is struggling against a difficult deadline, the word 'tatakau' provides the linguistic framework for these actions. It is a 'Godan' verb, which means its conjugation follows the five-step pattern ending in 'u'. The kanji itself, 戦, combines elements representing a weapon and a shield, visually signifying the act of warfare. Understanding when to use this word requires a sensitivity to the intensity of the situation. While it can describe a literal war (戦争 - sensō), it is equally common in the world of sports (試合で戦う - shiai de tatakau) and personal growth. It is important to distinguish this from 'quarreling' (喧嘩する - kenka suru), which usually implies a more emotional, less structured disagreement. 'Tatakau' implies a sense of purpose, a goal, or a confrontation with an external or internal force that requires effort and resolve to overcome.

Physical Combat: Used for wars, battles, and martial arts where physical force is applied against an opponent.
Sporting Competition: Used to describe playing against a rival team or athlete in a structured tournament or match.
Abstract Struggle: Used for fighting against illness, injustice, poverty, or even one's own weaknesses and temptations.

最後まで諦めずに戦うことが大切です。
(Saigo made akiramezu ni tatakau koto ga taisetsu desu.)
It is important to fight until the end without giving up.

In contemporary Japanese media, particularly anime and manga, 'tatakau' is a ubiquitous term. It encapsulates the 'shonen' spirit—the drive to become stronger and protect what is precious. However, in a business context, 'tatakau' might describe a company's struggle to survive in a competitive market. The word carries a weight of seriousness; you wouldn't use it for a playful tickle fight with a child. Instead, you use it when the stakes matter. It suggests a confrontation that requires the mobilization of one's resources, be they physical, mental, or spiritual. As a learner, mastering 'tatakau' allows you to express deep resolve and describe the various 'battles' that define human life in both historical and modern Japanese society.

彼は病気と戦っています。
(Kare wa byōki to tatakatte imasu.)
He is fighting against an illness.

次の試合で強いチームと戦う。
(Tsugi no shiai de tsuyoi chīmu to tatakau.)
We will fight (play against) a strong team in the next match.

己の限界と戦え！
(Onore no genkai to tatakae!)
Fight against your own limits!

Using 戦う (tatakau) correctly involves understanding its grammatical structure and the particles that accompany it. Since it is an intransitive verb in some contexts but acts like a transitive verb in others, the choice of particles is crucial. Most commonly, the person or thing you are fighting against is marked with the particle と (to), which functions as 'with' or 'against'. For example, 'A to tatakau' means 'to fight (against) A'. Another common particle is で (de), which indicates the location or the means of the fight, such as 'ringu de tatakau' (to fight in the ring) or 'kotoba de tatakau' (to fight with words).

Particle と (To): Identifies the opponent or the adversary. Essential for specifying who the battle is against.
Particle で (De): Identifies the arena, method, or circumstances of the struggle.
Particle に (Ni): Sometimes used to indicate the target or the direction of the fight, often seen in more abstract or literary contexts.

Conjugation follows the standard rules for Godan verbs. The dictionary form is tatakau. The polite form is tatakaimasu. The past tense is tatakatta, and the negative form is tatakawanai. It is also frequently used in the potential form tatakaeru (can fight) and the causative form tatakawaseru (to make someone fight). In motivational contexts, the imperative form tatakae is famous, often used as a command to 'fight on' or 'struggle'.

私たちは正義のために戦います。
(Watashitachi wa seigi no tame ni tatakaimasu.)
We fight for the sake of justice.

When describing a continuous state, such as an ongoing war or a long-term battle with a disease, the ~te iru form is used: tatakatte iru. This emphasizes the process and the duration of the struggle. Furthermore, 'tatakau' can be combined with other verbs to create compound meanings, though it is most powerful on its own. It is also vital to recognize the difference between the kanji 戦う (mostly for physical/sports) and 闘う (mostly for abstract/social/medical struggles), although in general writing, 戦う is the standard Jōyō kanji used for both.

侍は刀で戦った。
(Samurai wa katana de tatakatta.)
The samurai fought with a sword.

The word 戦う (tatakau) is deeply embedded in various layers of Japanese society, from high-stakes news broadcasts to the most casual manga dialogues. Hearing it in the wild provides a window into the Japanese psyche regarding conflict and perseverance. In the news, you will hear it frequently in reports on international conflicts, where it takes on its most literal and serious meaning. News anchors use formal language, often pairing it with 'shite iru' to describe ongoing tensions or military engagements. However, the same word is the lifeblood of Japanese sports commentary. Whether it is a sumo match, a baseball game, or a soccer tournament, commentators will shout 'tatakau' to describe the athletes' efforts. In this context, it isn't about violence, but about the 'fighting spirit' (tōshitsu) and the competitive drive to win.

News & Politics: Used to describe diplomatic 'battles', election campaigns, and international warfare.
Sports Commentary: Describes the match-up between teams or individuals, focusing on their competitive struggle.
Entertainment (Anime/Games): The quintessential word for heroes confronting villains or characters overcoming their internal fears.

In the realm of entertainment, particularly in 'Battle Shonen' anime like 'Dragon Ball', 'Naruto', or 'Attack on Titan', 'tatakau' is used as both a noun and a verb to drive the plot. Characters often declare their intention to fight to protect their friends or their home. The phrase 'Tatakae!' (Fight!) has become an iconic imperative, often used in dramatic climaxes. In video games, especially RPGs and fighting games, the 'Fight' command in menus is almost always 'Tatakau'. This makes it one of the first words many non-native speakers encounter through pop culture.

彼は自分自身の恐怖と戦っている。
(Kare wa jibun jishin no kyōfu to tatakatte iru.)
He is fighting against his own fears.

Beyond the dramatic, you might hear 'tatakau' in medical settings or documentaries where patients are described as 'fighting' a disease. This usage is respectful and highlights the patient's bravery. In everyday conversation, someone might say they are 'fighting' sleepiness (nemuke to tatakau) or 'fighting' the cold (samusa to tatakau). This versatility makes it an essential word for describing any situation where effort is required to resist or overcome a challenge, no matter how small or large.

While 戦う (tatakau) is a common word, English speakers often make several nuanced mistakes when applying it in Japanese. The most frequent error is confusing it with other words for 'fighting' or 'hitting'. In English, 'fight' can mean a physical punch-up, an argument, or a war. In Japanese, these are often distinct words. For instance, using 'tatakau' for a small verbal spat with a friend is often too heavy. In that case, kenka suru (to quarrel) is much more appropriate. 'Tatakau' implies a level of scale or purpose that a simple argument lacks.

Confusion with 叩く (Tataku): Learners often confuse 'tatakau' with 'tataku' (to hit/tap/strike). While they sound similar, they are completely different actions.
Overusing it for Small Arguments: Using 'tatakau' for a disagreement with a spouse or friend sounds overly dramatic, like you are at war with them.
Particle Errors: Using 'o' (object marker) instead of 'to' (with/against). You don't 'fight an opponent' in the same grammatical way you 'eat an apple'.

Another common mistake involves the kanji choice. While 戦う is the standard, you will also see 闘う. The latter is specifically for abstract struggles (like fighting for rights or against a disease). Using the 'war' kanji (戦) for a medical struggle isn't necessarily 'wrong' (it is the Jōyō standard), but using the 'struggle' kanji (闘) for a literal battlefield is incorrect. For most learners, sticking to 戦う is safe, but being aware of 闘う is a mark of advanced proficiency.

❌ 敵を戦う (Teki o tatakau)
✅ 敵と戦う (Teki to tatakau)
You fight 'with' or 'against' an enemy, not 'object' enemy.

Finally, watch the conjugation. Because it ends in 'au', the negative form is 'tatakawanai' (not tatakaanai). This is a common pitfall for beginners learning Godan verb patterns. Ensuring the 'w' appears in the negative form is essential for correct Japanese. Similarly, the past tense requires the small 'tsu' (っ), making it 'tatakatta'. Incorrectly saying 'tatakaita' is a common mistake for those confusing it with 'i-verbs'.

Japanese has a rich vocabulary for conflict, and 戦う (tatakau) is just one part of a larger ecosystem of words. Depending on the intensity, the participants, and the nature of the conflict, you might choose a different term to be more precise. Understanding these alternatives will significantly elevate your Japanese from basic to nuanced.

喧嘩する (Kenka suru): To quarrel or pick a fight. This is usually emotional and personal, like a fight between siblings or friends.
争う (Arasou): To dispute or compete. It often refers to a competition for a prize or a legal dispute over property.
対戦する (Taisen suru): To face off in a match. This is very common in sports and gaming (e.g., 'Taisen mōdo' - Versus mode).
奮闘する (Funtō suru): To struggle bravely or put up a good fight. It emphasizes the effort and 'hard work' aspect of the struggle.

The choice between tatakau and arasou is particularly interesting. While tatakau focuses on the act of the confrontation itself, arasou often focuses on the object of the conflict (e.g., 'arasou koto' - the thing being disputed). If two people are competing for a single seat, they are 'arasou'. If two armies are meeting on a field, they are 'tatakau'.

優勝を争う。
(Yūshō o arasou.)
To compete for the championship.

Additionally, for very formal or academic contexts, Sino-Japanese (Kango) compounds are preferred. Instead of saying 'tatakatta', a history book might say 'kōsen shita' (engaged in war) or 'sentō o kurikaeshita' (repeated battles). In a legal context, 'shōso suru' (to win a lawsuit) implies the end of a 'tatakau' process in court. By learning these synonyms, you can tailor your speech to the appropriate register, whether you're talking about a video game, a business rivalry, or a historical event.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

The kanji for 'tatakau' (戦) originally depicted a type of weapon (a halberd) and a shield, symbolizing the essence of combat.

Guide de prononciation

UK /təˈtɑːkaʊ/

US /tɑˈtɑkaʊ/

The pitch accent is usually flat (Heiban), meaning the pitch stays relatively steady.

Rime avec

Kau (to buy) Au (to meet) Utau (to sing) Warau (to laugh) Hishiau (to jostle) Katarau (to talk) Kanau (to come true) Sutau (to accompany)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing 'ta' like 'tay'.
Making the 'u' sound too long like 'ooo'.
Confusing the pitch accent with 'tataku' (to hit).
Failing to pronounce the 'w' in the negative form 'tatakawanai'.
Missing the double 't' in the past tense 'tatakatta'.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

The kanji is common but distinct. Easy to recognize once learned.

Écriture 3/5

The kanji 戦 has many strokes, but is a fundamental Jōyō kanji.

Expression orale 2/5

Simple pronunciation, though the te-form and negative form require care.

Écoute 1/5

Very common in media; easy to pick out in context.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

勝つ (katsu) - to win 負ける (makeru) - to lose 敵 (teki) - enemy 試合 (shiai) - match 強い (tsuyoi) - strong

Apprends ensuite

争う (arasou) - to compete 勝利 (shōri) - victory 作戦 (sakusen) - strategy 勇気 (yūki) - courage 平和 (heiwa) - peace

Avancé

葛藤 (kattō) - conflict/complication 紛争 (funsō) - dispute/strife 熾烈な (shiretsu na) - fierce/severe 雌雄 (shiyū) - male and female (decisive match) 奮闘 (funtō) - hard struggle

Grammaire à connaître

Godan Verb Conjugation

Tatakau -> Tatakawanai, Tatakaimasu, Tatakatta.

Particle 'to' for Adversaries

Teki to tatakau (Fight with an enemy).

Te-iru for Ongoing Actions

Tatakatte iru (Is fighting).

Potential Form (~eru)

Tatakaeru (Can fight).

Imperative Form (~e)

Tatakae! (Fight!)

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Exemples par niveau

私は明日、試合で戦います。

I will fight/play in a match tomorrow.

Polite form 'tatakaimasu' used for a future event.

彼と戦うのは楽しいです。

Fighting (playing against) him is fun.

Dictionary form 'tatakau' followed by 'no' to make it a noun phrase.

ゲームでモンスターと戦う。

I fight monsters in the game.

Particle 'to' indicates the opponent (monster).

侍は刀で戦いました。

The samurai fought with a sword.

Past tense 'tatakaimashita' and particle 'de' for the tool (sword).

だれと戦いますか？

Who will you fight?

Question form using 'dare to' (with whom).

ここで戦ってはいけません。

You must not fight here.

Te-form + 'wa ikemasen' indicates a prohibition.

強い敵と戦いました。

I fought a strong enemy.

Adjective 'tsuyoi' modifying the noun 'teki' (enemy).

いっしょに戦いましょう！

Let's fight together!

Volitional form 'mashō' for an invitation.

眠気と戦いながら、勉強しました。

I studied while fighting sleepiness.

Nagara (while) used with the stem of 'tatakau'.

次の試合で、去年のチャンピオンと戦う。

In the next match, we'll fight last year's champion.

Dictionary form used for a planned future action.

彼は病気と戦っています。

He is fighting (against) an illness.

Te-iru form shows an ongoing state/process.

負けないように一生懸命戦った。

I fought hard so that I wouldn't lose.

Yō ni (so that) used with the negative form of 'makeru'.

どちらのチームが戦っていますか？

Which teams are fighting (playing)?

Interrogative 'dochira' used for choosing between two.

戦う前に、準備をしましょう。

Let's prepare before we fight.

Mae ni (before) used with the dictionary form.

彼は一人で戦うことに決めた。

He decided to fight alone.

Koto ni kimeru (decide to do something).

最後まで戦うことが大切だ。

It is important to fight until the end.

Koto ga taisetsu da (It is important to...).

不平等な社会と戦うために、政治家になった。

I became a politician to fight against an unequal society.

Tame ni (in order to) used with the dictionary form.

そのボクサーは、怪我と闘いながら優勝した。

That boxer won the championship while struggling with an injury.

Use of the 'struggle' kanji 闘 instead of 戦 for abstract pain.

環境破壊と戦う活動に参加している。

I am participating in activities to fight environmental destruction.

Noun + to tatakau + noun (attributive use).

彼は自分の弱い心と戦っている。

He is fighting his own weak heart (will).

Abstract usage for internal psychological struggle.

どちらが勝つか、最後まで戦ってみないとわからない。

You won't know who wins until you try fighting to the end.

Te-miru (try doing) + nai to wakaranai (won't know unless).

政府はインフレと戦うための新しい政策を発表した。

The government announced new policies to fight inflation.

Economic context for the word 'fight'.

多くの人々が自由のために戦ってきた。

Many people have fought for freedom.

Te-kita (have done up until now) shows historical duration.

彼女は偏見と戦い、ついに成功を収めた。

She fought against prejudice and finally achieved success.

Prejudice (henken) as the object of struggle.

運命に抗い、己の道を進むために戦う。

I fight to resist fate and move forward on my own path.

Aragau (resist) paired with tatakau for emphasis.

市場での競争に勝つため、企業は技術革新で戦っている。

To win the market competition, companies are fighting through technological innovation.

Business context using 'de' for the method (innovation).

彼は法廷で自分の無実を証明するために戦った。

He fought in court to prove his innocence.

Legal context (hōtei - courtroom).

差別と戦う勇気を持つことが、今の社会には必要だ。

Having the courage to fight discrimination is necessary for today's society.

Nominalized phrase as the subject of the sentence.

そのチームは数的不利な状況で、最後まで勇敢に戦い抜いた。

The team fought bravely to the end despite being outnumbered.

Compound verb 'tatakainuku' (to fight through to the end).

内なる悪魔と戦うことは、誰にとっても避けて通れない課題だ。

Fighting one's inner demons is an unavoidable challenge for everyone.

Metaphorical 'inner demons' (uchi naru akuma).

平和を守るために戦うという矛盾について考える。

Consider the contradiction of fighting to protect peace.

Using 'to iu' to define the concept of 'contradiction'.

彼は独裁政権と戦い、多くの国民の支持を得た。

He fought against the dictatorship and gained the support of many citizens.

Political context involving 'support' (shiji).

古典文学における「義」のために戦う英雄像を分析する。

Analyze the image of heroes who fight for 'justice' in classical literature.

Academic context, focusing on 'heroic images' (eiyūzō).

存亡の機に立たされた国家は、全力を挙げて戦わざるを得なかった。

The nation, pushed to the brink of survival, had no choice but to fight with all its might.

Zaru o enai (have no choice but to).

彼は伝統を守るために、押し寄せる近代化の波と戦い続けた。

To protect tradition, he continued to fight the surging wave of modernization.

Metaphorical 'wave of modernization'.

言論の自由を守るべく、彼は権力者と真っ向から戦った。

In order to protect freedom of speech, he fought the powerful head-on.

Beku (in order to - formal) and 'makkō kara' (head-on).

人間の尊厳をかけて戦う姿は、人々に深い感銘を与えた。

The sight of him fighting with human dignity at stake deeply moved the people.

Kakeru (to stake/risk) used with 'tatakau'.

その思想家は、既存の価値観と戦うことで新たな地平を切り拓いた。

The thinker opened up new horizons by fighting against existing values.

Kiri-hiraku (to open up/pioneer).

絶望的な状況下にあっても、彼は希望を捨てずに戦い抜く覚悟を決めた。

Even under desperate circumstances, he resolved to fight through to the end without losing hope.

Kakugo o kimeru (to make up one's mind/resolve).

科学者は未知のウイルスと戦うべく、日夜研究に励んでいる。

Scientists are working hard day and night on research to fight unknown viruses.

Nichiya (day and night) and 'hagemu' (strive/work hard).

歴史の奔流の中で、個のアイデンティティを保持すべく戦うことの困難さ。

The difficulty of fighting to maintain one's individual identity within the torrent of history.

Substantive use of the verb in a complex philosophical sentence.

言語という武器を手に、彼は沈黙という暴力と戦い続けたのである。

With the weapon of language in hand, he continued to fight against the violence of silence.

Highly metaphorical and literary style using 'de aru'.

不条理な現実に抗い、意味を見出すために戦うことが、実存の証明となる。

Fighting to resist an absurd reality and find meaning becomes a proof of existence.

Existentialist terminology (fujōri - absurd; jitsuzon - existence).

権力の腐敗と戦うジャーナリズムの使命は、時代を超えて普遍的である。

The mission of journalism to fight the corruption of power is universal across eras.

Universal (fubenteki) and corruption (fuhai).

自己の限界を突破せんとして戦うアスリートの姿には、崇高美が宿る。

In the figure of an athlete fighting to break through their own limits, a sublime beauty resides.

Sen to shite (trying to/intending to - literary).

文明の衝突という言説に対し、対話によって戦うという選択肢を模索する。

Against the discourse of the 'clash of civilizations,' we seek the option of fighting through dialogue.

Discourse (gensetsu) and 'mosaku suru' (to grope for/seek).

運命の神に戦いを挑む悲劇の主人公の如く、彼は壮絶な最期を遂げた。

Like a tragic protagonist challenging the god of fate to a fight, he met a heroic end.

Gotoku (like/as if) and 'sōzetsu na saigo' (heroic/sublime end).

市場の独占を目論む巨大資本と戦う中小企業の苦闘を描いたドキュメンタリー。

A documentary depicting the struggle of small businesses fighting against giant capital aiming for market monopoly.

Monopoly (dokusen) and 'kutō' (bitter struggle).

Collocations courantes

病気と戦う

敵と戦う

自分と戦う

正義のために戦う

試合で戦う

眠気と戦う

差別と戦う

最後まで戦う

リングで戦う

言葉で戦う

Phrases Courantes

戦う姿勢

— A fighting stance or attitude. Refers to being ready to confront a challenge.

彼は常に戦う姿勢を忘れない。

戦う準備

— Preparation for a fight or competition. Essential for success.

戦う準備はできているか？

戦う相手

— The person or thing one is fighting against. The opponent.

戦う相手を間違えてはいけない。

戦う理由

— The reason or motivation for fighting. The 'why'.

君が戦う理由は何だ？

戦う場

— The place or arena where the fight happens. The battlefield.

ここは私たちが戦う場だ。

戦う力

— The power or ability to fight. Strength.

まだ戦う力は残っている。

戦う意志

— The will to fight. Determination.

彼には戦う意志がある。

戦う仲間

— Comrades or allies in a fight. People fighting together.

信頼できる戦う仲間が必要だ。

戦う価値

— The worth or value of a fight. Whether it's worth it.

これには戦う価値がある。

戦う手段

— The means or method of fighting. Tools used.

あらゆる戦う手段を検討する。

Souvent confondu avec

戦う vs 叩く (tataku)

Means 'to hit' or 'to tap'. Sounds similar but implies a physical strike rather than a battle.

戦う vs 喧嘩 (kenka)

Means 'quarrel'. Used for personal, emotional fights between people who know each other.

戦う vs 争う (arasou)

Means 'to compete'. Used more for competition over a specific object or status.

Expressions idiomatiques

"背水の陣で戦う"

— To fight with one's back to the wall. Having no retreat and being forced to fight desperately.

彼は背水の陣でこのプロジェクトを成功させるために戦った。

Formal/Idiomatic

"真っ向から戦う"

— To fight head-on. Confronting a problem directly and honestly.

困難に真っ向から戦う姿勢が素晴らしい。

Neutral

"孤軍奮闘する"

— To fight alone against odds. Struggling without help from others.

彼はチームの中で一人、孤軍奮闘していた。

Formal

"しのぎを削る"

— To fight fiercely. Originally referring to swords scraping against each other.

二つの企業が市場でしのぎを削っている。

Idiomatic

"一矢報いる"

— To retaliate or strike back even when losing. To get one shot in.

大差で負けたが、最後に一矢報いることができた。

Idiomatic

"火花を散らす"

— To have a heated confrontation. Sparks flying between rivals.

二人の天才がチェスの盤上で火花を散らした。

Literary

"雌雄を決する"

— To fight a decisive battle. To determine who is superior.

いよいよ決勝戦で雌雄を決する時が来た。

Formal

"矛先を向ける"

— To aim one's attack or criticism at someone.

彼は批判の矛先を政府に向けた。

Neutral

"盾突く"

— To defy or rebel against a superior.

上司に盾突くのは得策ではない。

Informal

"刀折れ矢尽きる"

— To have exhausted all means of fighting. Sword broken and arrows gone.

刀折れ矢尽きるまで戦ったが、力及ばなかった。

Literary/Archaic

Facile à confondre

戦う vs 戦う (tatakau)

Sounds like 'tataku'.

'Tatakau' is a struggle or battle. 'Tataku' is the physical act of hitting something like a drum or a door.

太鼓を叩く (Hit a drum) vs 敵と戦う (Fight an enemy).

戦う vs 闘う (tatakau)

Exactly the same pronunciation.

Both are 'tatakau'. '戦う' is for physical war/sports. '闘う' is for abstract struggles like disease or social issues.

癌と闘う (Fighting cancer).

戦う vs 争う (arasou)

Similar meaning of 'conflict'.

'Arasou' is often used for competition or legal disputes. 'Tatakau' is more about the act of battle itself.

一位を争う (Compete for first place).

戦う vs 競う (kisou)

Both involve competition.

'Kisou' emphasizes trying to outdo someone in skill, speed, or beauty. 'Tatakau' emphasizes the struggle against an opponent.

技を競う (Compete in skill).

戦う vs 喧嘩する (kenka suru)

Both translate to 'fight' in English.

'Kenka' is a personal argument or scuffle. 'Tatakau' is a more formal, purposeful, or large-scale battle.

友達と喧嘩した (Quarreled with a friend).

Structures de phrases

[Person] と戦います。

田中さんと戦います。

[Obstacle] と戦っている。

病気と戦っている。

[Purpose] のために戦う。

自由のために戦う。

[Method] で戦う。

言葉で戦う。

[Stake] をかけて戦う。

命をかけて戦う。

[Concept] と戦い抜く覚悟だ。

不条理と戦い抜く覚悟だ。

戦う前に [Action]。

戦う前に練習する。

戦うのは [Reason] だ。

戦うのは家族のためだ。

Famille de mots

Noms

戦い (tatakai) - fight/battle

戦争 (sensō) - war

作戦 (sakusen) - strategy/operation

戦力 (senryoku) - fighting power

戦場 (senjō) - battlefield

Verbes

戦わせる (tatakawaseru) - to make/let fight

戦い抜く (tatakainuku) - to fight to the end

戦い合う (tatakaiau) - to fight each other

Adjectifs

戦術的な (senjutsu-teki na) - tactical

好戦的な (kōsen-teki na) - bellicose/warlike

Apparenté

闘争 (tōsō) - struggle/conflict

勝利 (shōri) - victory

敗北 (haiboku) - defeat

平和 (heiwa) - peace

勇気 (yūki) - courage

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very common in media, sports, and motivational contexts.

Erreurs courantes

Using 'tatakau' for hitting a drum. → 太鼓を叩く (Taiko o tataku)
Tatakau is for fighting/battling. Tataku is for hitting or striking something physically.
Using 'o' particle for the opponent. → 敵と戦う (Teki to tatakau)
Tatakau is an intransitive verb in this context and takes 'to' (with/against) rather than the direct object 'o'.
Saying 'tatakaanai' for the negative form. → 戦わない (Tatakawanai)
For Godan verbs ending in 'u', the negative form uses 'wa' before 'nai'.
Using 'tatakau' for a minor argument with a friend. → 友達と喧嘩する (Tomodachi to kenka suru)
Tatakau is too formal and heavy for personal quarrels. Kenka suru is the appropriate term for daily arguments.
Missing the small 'tsu' in the past tense. → 戦った (Tatakatta)
The past tense of Godan verbs ending in 'u' always includes a small 'tsu' (っ).

Astuces

Use 'to' not 'o'

Always remember to use the particle 'to' for your opponent. 'Teki o tatakau' is incorrect; 'Teki to tatakau' is correct.

Kanji Nuance

Use the 'war' kanji (戦) for physical battles and sports. Use the 'struggle' kanji (闘) for diseases and social issues.

Don't confuse with 'tataku'

Remember that 'tataku' means to hit. 'Tatakau' is to fight. They sound similar but have very different meanings.

Fighting Spirit

In Japan, 'tatakau' is often about the effort and spirit (tōshitsu) rather than just the violence. It is a respected trait.

Anime Catchphrases

Listen for 'Tatakae!' in anime. It's a great way to remember the imperative form of the verb.

Use for Small Things

You can use 'tatakau' for small internal struggles like 'nemuke' (sleepiness) to sound more expressive in casual conversation.

Compound Verbs

Try using 'tatakainuku' (to fight through to the end) to express a very strong sense of perseverance in your writing.

Sports Commentary

Watch a Japanese sports broadcast. You will hear 'tatakau' used constantly to describe the match-up between teams.

Root Meaning

Think of 'tatakau' as an 'exchange' (kau) of 'hits' (tata). This helps remember the core meaning of the word.

Daily Battle

Every morning, tell yourself 'Kyō mo tatakau zo!' (I'll fight today too!) to practice the volitional/determined use of the word.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'TA-TA-KAU'. Imagine a samurai shouting 'TA! TA!' as he hits his opponent, then saying 'KAU' (cow) because he's fighting over a prize cow.

Association visuelle

Picture two samurai clashing swords. Each clash makes a 'TA' sound. The field they are on is a 'KAU' (cow) pasture.

Word Web

Samurai Sword Victory Defeat Sports Illness Justice Strategy

Défi

Try to use 'tatakau' in three different ways today: once for a game, once for a personal struggle (like waking up), and once for a historical fact.

Origine du mot

The word 'tatakau' is believed to originate from the combination of 'tata' (repeatedly) and 'kau' (to exchange/meet). This suggests an 'exchange of blows' or 'repeated meeting'. It has been part of the Japanese language since ancient times, appearing in early texts like the Manyoshu.

Sens originel : To exchange blows repeatedly or to confront an opponent in combat.

Japonic (Old Japanese)

Contexte culturel

Avoid using 'tatakau' when describing sensitive political situations unless you are sure of the context, as it can sound aggressive.

In English, 'fight' can be a negative word (getting into trouble). In Japanese, 'tatakau' is often positive, implying bravery and effort.

The 'Tatakae!' line from 'Attack on Titan' (Shingeki no Kyojin). The 'Fight' command in the 'Dragon Quest' and 'Final Fantasy' series. The movie 'Seven Samurai' (Shichinin no Samurai) by Akira Kurosawa.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Sports

ライバルと戦う
全力で戦う
決勝で戦う
正々堂々と戦う

Medical

難病と戦う
癌と闘う
怪我と戦う
病魔と戦う

Video Games

ボスと戦う
オンラインで戦う
魔法で戦う
仲間と戦う

Business

競合と戦う
不況と戦う
市場で戦う
ノルマと戦う

Personal Growth

自分と戦う
誘惑と戦う
過去と戦う
恐怖と戦う

Amorces de conversation

"最近、何かと戦っていますか？ (Are you fighting against anything lately?)"

"好きなスポーツチームはどこで戦っていますか？ (Where is your favorite sports team fighting/playing?)"

"自分自身の弱さと戦ったことがありますか？ (Have you ever fought against your own weakness?)"

"アニメで一番好きな戦うシーンは何ですか？ (What is your favorite fighting scene in anime?)"

"平和のために、私たちはどう戦うべきだと思いますか？ (How do you think we should fight for peace?)"

Sujets d'écriture

今日、私は眠気と戦いました。その理由を書いてください。 (Today I fought sleepiness. Write about the reason.)

将来、どのような目標のために戦いたいですか？ (What goals do you want to fight for in the future?)

あなたが尊敬する「戦う人」について説明してください。 (Describe a 'fighting person' you admire.)

「言葉で戦う」ことの難しさについて考えてみましょう。 (Think about the difficulty of 'fighting with words'.)

もし魔法が使えたら、何と戦いたいですか？ (If you could use magic, what would you want to fight?)

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Generally, no. 'Tatakau' sounds too serious or dramatic for a small argument. Use 'kenka suru' instead. Use 'tatakau' if you are rivals in a major tournament.

They are pronounced the same. 戦う is the standard Jōyō kanji used for war and sports. 闘う is used for abstract struggles like fighting for rights or against a disease. In most cases, 戦う is acceptable.

It is technically intransitive in many contexts, which is why it uses the particle 'to' (with/against) instead of 'o' (direct object). You fight *with* an opponent.

You can say 'tatakau' with the prefix 'uchi-kaesu' or use the phrase 'tatakai-kaesu'. Another common idiom is 'isshi mukuiru' (to strike back).

Yes, it is used to describe a company's struggle against competitors or difficult economic conditions. It conveys a strong sense of determination.

It is the imperative form of 'tatakau', meaning 'Fight!' or 'Battle on!'. It is very famous in anime and motivational speeches.

Actually, for fighting a fire, the verb 'shōka suru' (to extinguish) or 'hi o kesu' is more common. However, 'kaji to tatakau' (fighting the fire) can be used in a dramatic or descriptive sense.

Since it is a Godan verb ending in 'u', you change the 'u' to 'awa' and add 'nai'. So, 'tatakawanai'.

Use the particle 'de'. For example, 'shiai-jō de tatakau' (to fight at the match venue).

The word itself is neutral. To make it polite, use 'tatakaimasu'. It is appropriate to use in most social situations when describing a struggle.

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