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A1 noun #3,547 most common 9 min read

争い

arasoi Top 3,547

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 争い in 30 Seconds

Explanation 争い in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should think of 争い (arasoi) as a simple word for 'a fight' or 'a disagreement.' While you might first learn kenka, arasoi is a useful noun to describe when people are not getting along. You will see it most often in basic stories or very simple news headlines. For an A1 learner, the focus should be on recognizing the kanji 争 (which looks like a struggle) and understanding that it means 'conflict.' You can use it in simple sentences like 'Arasoi wa dame desu' (Conflict is bad). It is a foundational noun that helps you describe negative social interactions. At this stage, don't worry too much about the complex legal nuances; just remember it as the noun form of 'fighting' or 'competing.' You might hear it in cartoons or simple books when characters are fighting over a toy or a seat. It's a 'big' word for a 'big' concept, even if the situation is small.

At the A2 level, you can begin to use 争い (arasoi) to describe specific types of disagreements. You will start to see it paired with other nouns using the particle 'no,' such as kyōdai no arasoi (sibling rivalry/fight). You should also learn that it can mean 'competition' in a sports context, like yūshō-arasoi (competition for the win). At this level, you are moving beyond just 'bad fighting' and seeing that arasoi can describe any situation where two people want the same thing. You should be able to understand simple sentences in news snippets, like 'mizu no arasoi' (dispute over water). Recognizing the difference between arasoi (the noun) and arasou (the verb) is a key goal for A2 learners. You might also encounter it in the phrase arasoi-goto, which refers to 'quarrels' or 'contentious matters' in general. It's a step up in formality from kenka and makes your Japanese sound more mature and objective.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 争い (arasoi) in more abstract and professional contexts. You will encounter it frequently in intermediate reading materials, such as articles about social issues or history. You should understand that arasoi is the standard term for historical power struggles (kenryoku-arasoi) or territorial disputes (ryōdo-arasoi). You will also start to see it in common set phrases and idioms. At B1, you should be able to distinguish between arasoi and its synonyms like kyōsō (competition) based on the nuance of 'clash' vs. 'running together.' You should also be able to use it with a wider range of verbs, such as arasoi o osameru (to settle a conflict) or arasoi ga hageshiku naru (the conflict intensifies). This word is essential for discussing news, history, and literature at an intermediate level. It allows you to describe complex social dynamics without relying on the childish-sounding kenka.

At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the subtle nuances of 争い (arasoi) in legal, political, and literary texts. You should recognize it in compound words like shūkyō-arasoi (religious conflict) or isanzoku-arasoi (inheritance dispute). At this stage, you should understand that arasoi often carries a nuance of 'litigation' or 'formal dispute' when used in a professional context. You should be able to use it to describe complicated interpersonal dynamics in a workplace, such as shudōken-arasoi (struggle for leadership). B2 learners should also be aware of the cultural implications of arasoi in Japan, where maintaining harmony is prioritized, and thus arasoi is often something to be avoided or mediated by a third party. You should be able to write essays or give presentations using arasoi to describe historical events or current global conflicts with appropriate gravity. Your understanding of the word should now include its use as a metaphor for any kind of friction or struggle.

At the C1 level, your mastery of 争い (arasoi) should extend to its most formal and nuanced applications. You will encounter this word in academic papers, legal documents, and high-level journalism. You should understand how it differs from highly specialized terms like funsō (dispute/clash) or kōraiku (conflict). C1 learners should be able to appreciate the rhetorical use of arasoi in literature, where it might describe a 'conflict of the soul' or an 'eternal struggle' between concepts like light and dark. You should also be familiar with classical or archaic variations and how the word has evolved. At this level, you can use arasoi to discuss philosophical concepts, such as the 'struggle for existence' (seisō-arasoi) in a biological or sociological context. You should be able to navigate the fine line between 'competition' and 'hostility' that the word occupies, using it precisely to reflect the intended level of aggression or formality. Your vocabulary should also include idiomatic expressions where arasoi appears in more metaphorical ways.

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like intuition for 争い (arasoi). You understand not just its meaning, but its weight and the silence it often leaves in a Japanese conversation. You can detect when a speaker uses arasoi as a euphemism for a more violent reality or when they use it to elevate a trivial matter to a level of principled disagreement. You are comfortable with the word in all registers, from the gritty reality of a 'street struggle' to the dry, technical language of 'intellectual property disputes' (chiteki-zaisan-no-arasoi). You can analyze the word's role in Japanese cultural history—how the concept of arasoi has been portrayed in epics like the Heike Monogatari versus modern political discourse. You can use the word with perfect precision in spontaneous debate, academic writing, and creative prose. For a C2 learner, arasoi is not just a vocabulary word; it is a tool for describing the fundamental friction of human existence, used with an awareness of its historical, legal, and social echoes.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

争い in 30 Seconds

A general noun for 'conflict' or 'dispute' used in both everyday and formal contexts to describe clashing interests.
Can mean 'competition' or 'rivalry,' especially when referring to races for a championship or a top position in an organization.
More formal and objective than 'kenka' (personal fight), making it the standard choice for news, history, and legal topics.
Commonly used in compound words to specify the type of conflict, such as 'territorial dispute' or 'inheritance struggle.'

The Japanese word 争い (arasoi) is a fundamental noun that encompasses a wide spectrum of conflict, ranging from a minor verbal disagreement between friends to large-scale geopolitical struggles or intense sporting competitions. Derived from the verb arasou (to struggle, to compete, or to fight), it functions as a broad umbrella term for any situation where two or more parties are in opposition. Unlike more specific words like kenka (which often implies a physical or emotional scuffle) or sensō (which specifically means war), arasoi focuses on the state of discord or the act of competing for a limited resource, status, or truth.

Core Concept: At its heart, arasoi represents a clash of interests. It is often used in the context of 'struggle' (as in a power struggle) or 'competition' (as in a race for a seat in parliament). It is a neutral-to-formal word, making it suitable for news reports, literature, and serious discussions about social issues.
Nuance of Competition: In many contexts, arasoi translates to 'competition.' For example, juken-arasoi refers to the intense competition for entrance exams. This highlights that the word isn't always negative; it can describe the natural friction that occurs when multiple people strive for the same goal.

つまらないことで争いを続けるのはやめましょう。
— "Let's stop continuing this conflict over something trivial."

Understanding the kanji 争 is key to mastering the word. The character depicts two hands pulling at an object, symbolizing a tug-of-war or a struggle for possession. This visual etymology remains present in modern usage; arasoi is frequently used when talking about inheritance (isanzoku-arasoi) or territory (ryōdo-arasoi), where the 'object' being pulled is tangible. However, it equally applies to abstract concepts like 'the struggle for power' (kenryoku-arasoi).

その国では長い間、激しい争いが続いています。
— "In that country, a fierce conflict has been continuing for a long time."

Common Collocations: You will often see arasoi paired with verbs like okoru (to occur), taenai (to never end), or sakeru (to avoid). For instance, arasoi ga okoru simply means 'a conflict arises.'

In summary, arasoi is a versatile noun that describes any state of clashing. Whether it is a legal dispute in court, a sibling rivalry over a toy, or a race for the top spot in a company, arasoi is the go-to word to describe the friction between the parties involved. Its formal tone makes it the standard choice for professional and academic writing, though it is used in daily speech to describe serious disagreements as well.

Using 争い (arasoi) correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a noun and its semantic range. It acts as the subject or object of a sentence, and it is frequently modified by adjectives or other nouns to specify the nature of the conflict. Because it is a noun, it does not conjugate, but it often works in tandem with verbs like suru (to do/make) in its verb form arasou, or with verbs of resolution and occurrence.

兄弟の間で遺産をめぐる争いが起きた。
— "A dispute over inheritance occurred among the brothers."

Modification Patterns: To describe the type of conflict, use the pattern [Noun] + no + arasoi. Examples include mizu no arasoi (water rights dispute) or shūkyō no arasoi (religious conflict). Alternatively, you can use the particle o meguru (concerning/over) to indicate the cause: shigen o meguru arasoi (conflict over resources).
Verb Pairings: Common verbs that follow arasoi include osu (to suppress), yamameru (to stop), and kaiketsu suru (to resolve). When a conflict escalates, you might say arasoi ga hageshiku naru (the conflict becomes intense).

彼は争いを好まない平和な人です。
— "He is a peaceful person who does not like conflict."

In a competitive sense, arasoi is used to describe rankings or races. For example, shōri-arasoi (the race for victory) or shuppitsu-arasoi (competition to get published). In these cases, the word carries a sense of 'rivalry' rather than 'hostility.' It implies that there is a prize or a goal that only one party can achieve, leading to a natural state of arasoi.

党内での主導権争いが激化している。
— "The struggle for leadership within the party is intensifying."

Finally, consider the emotional weight. While kenka is used for a fight you might have with your spouse, arasoi would be used if that fight turned into a legal divorce battle. The former is personal and often impulsive; the latter is a structured, ongoing state of opposition. This distinction is vital for choosing the right word in social situations.

You will encounter 争い (arasoi) in several key domains of Japanese life. It is a staple of news media, historical narratives, sports commentary, and legal discussions. Because it provides a level of objective distance, it is the preferred term for reporting on events where multiple parties are at odds without necessarily taking a side or implying emotional volatility.

News and Politics: When watching the NHK news, you will hear arasoi used to describe international relations, such as bōeki-arasoi (trade wars/disputes) or seiji-teki na arasoi (political conflicts). It sounds professional and serious. It is the language of diplomacy and analysis.
Sports and Competitions: In the world of sports, commentators use arasoi to describe the battle for a championship or a specific position. For instance, in Sumo, the yūshō-arasoi (the race for the tournament championship) is a common phrase used throughout the fifteen-day event to describe the top contenders' progress.

ニュースでは、中東の争いについて報じていた。
— "The news was reporting on the conflict in the Middle East."

In historical contexts, arasoi is used to describe the power struggles of the Sengoku (Warring States) period. While kassen refers to specific battles, arasoi describes the overarching state of conflict between various clans. It provides a bird's-eye view of history, focusing on the competition for the shogunate or land.

1位の座をかけた激しい争いが繰り広げられた。
— "A fierce competition for the first-place spot unfolded."

In legal settings, arasoi is the standard term for a 'dispute' being settled in court. A lawyer might say, hōtei de no arasoi (a battle in the courtroom). It denotes a formal, legalistic disagreement where evidence and arguments are pitted against each other. This is distinct from a mere 'argument' because it implies a formal process of resolution.

While 争い (arasoi) is a versatile word, learners often misuse it by applying it to situations where a more specific or less formal word is required. The most common pitfall is confusing it with kenka (fight/quarrel) or sensō (war).

Mistake 1: Over-formalizing a Personal Spat: If you have a small argument with a friend about where to eat, calling it an arasoi sounds overly dramatic and stiff. In this case, kenka or ii-arasoi (a verbal spat) is much more natural. Arasoi suggests a more sustained or serious state of conflict.
Mistake 2: Confusing Competition with Conflict: While arasoi can mean competition, it usually implies a direct struggle for a single spot. If you are just talking about 'competition' in a general business sense (like market competition), kyōsō is often a better fit. Use arasoi when you want to emphasize the 'clash' or 'fight' aspect of the competition.

× 友達とピザのトッピングで争いをした。
○ 友達とピザのトッピングで喧嘩をした。

Another mistake is using arasoi as a verb without the necessary suru or by confusing it with its verb counterpart arasou. Remember that arasoi is a noun. You cannot say kare wa arasoi-ta (he fought); you must say kare wa arasotta (verb) or arasoi o shita (noun phrase).

意味のない争いは避けるべきだ。
— "Meaningless conflicts should be avoided."

Finally, watch out for the difference between arasoi and funsō. Funsō is even more formal and is almost exclusively used for international or legal 'disputes.' If you use funsō to describe a family fight over a TV remote, it will sound like a joke. Arasoi is the middle ground between the informal kenka and the hyper-formal funsō.

To truly master 争い (arasoi), you must see how it sits alongside its synonyms. Japanese has a rich vocabulary for conflict, each with a slightly different flavor. Choosing the right one depends on the scale, the emotion involved, and the formality of the situation.

喧嘩 (Kenka) - Fight / Quarrel: This is the most common word for everyday fights. It implies emotional heat, shouting, or physical scuffling. While arasoi can be cool and calculated (like a legal dispute), kenka is usually hot and impulsive. Children kenka; nations arasoi.
競争 (Kyōsō) - Competition: Use this for healthy or standard competition, like in business or academics. While arasoi emphasizes the struggle between two parties, kyōsō emphasizes the act of running toward the same goal. You 'compete' (kyōsō) in a race, but you 'struggle' (arasoi) for the first-place prize.
紛争 (Funsō) - Dispute / Conflict: This is a highly formal term used in news and law. It often refers to international conflicts or complex legal disputes. Arasoi is a general term, whereas funsō specifically implies a lack of agreement that requires formal mediation.

その二つの会社は、特許をめぐって争い（または紛争）を続けている。
— "Those two companies are continuing a conflict (or dispute) over patents."

Another interesting alternative is momegoto (trouble/dispute). This is a more colloquial, slightly softer word often used in business or family contexts to describe 'friction' or 'trouble' that hasn't quite reached the level of a full-blown arasoi. If there is 'drama' in the office, you might call it momegoto.

Finally, kattō (conflict/dilemma) is used for internal, psychological conflict. If you are struggling between two choices in your mind, that is kattō. You cannot use arasoi for internal thoughts; arasoi always requires at least two opposing external forces or entities.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The kanji '争' is also the root for the word 'sensō' (war - 戦争). While 'arasoi' is the native Japanese reading (kunyomi), the 'sō' in 'sensō' is the Chinese reading (onyomi) of the same character.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /a.ɾa.so.i/

US /a.ɾa.so.i/

Japanese uses pitch accent, not stress. In 'arasoi', the pitch typically starts low on 'a' and rises on 'ra', staying high through 'so' and 'i' [L-H-H-H].

Rhymes With

Mahoi (魔法い - rare) Yayoi (弥生) Aoi (青い) Ooi (多い) Tooi (遠い) Sowai (rare) Koi (恋) Hoi (interjection)

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 'r' like an English 'r' (curled tongue).
Elongating the 'o' or 'i' vowels.
Confusing the pitch with the verb 'arasou'.
Failing to pronounce each mora (a-ra-so-i) with equal timing.
Adding a 'w' sound before the 'i'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

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

Writing 3/5

The kanji 争 requires attention to stroke order but is not overly complex.

Speaking 1/5

Pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers.

Listening 2/5

Easy to hear in news broadcasts and formal speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

戦う (Tatakau - To fight) 勝つ (Katsu - To win) 負ける (Makeru - To lose) 人 (Hito - Person) 間 (Aida - Between)

Learn Next

紛争 (Funsō - Dispute) 競争 (Kyōsō - Competition) 解決 (Kaiketsu - Resolution) 平和 (Heiwa - Peace) 議論 (Giron - Discussion)

Advanced

葛藤 (Kattō - Dilemma) 覇権 (Haken - Hegemony) 泥沼 (Doronuma - Quagmire) 終止符 (Shūshifu - Full stop/End)

Grammar to Know

Noun + をめぐる (Concerning/Over)

土地をめぐる争い。

Ren'yōkei (Noun form of verbs)

争う (verb) -> 争い (noun).

Compound Nouns (Noun + Noun)

優勝 + 争い = 優勝争い。

Passive voice with 'makikomu'

争いに巻き込まれる。

Adverbial usage of 'ni' with 'naru'

争いになる。

Examples by Level

兄弟の争いはよくないです。

Sibling fighting is not good.

Noun + no + noun pattern.

小さな争いをやめましょう。

Let's stop the small conflict.

Direct object with 'o'.

これは食べ物の争いです。

This is a fight over food.

Identifying the type of conflict.

争いはきらいです。

I hate conflict.

Subject with 'wa'.

犬と猫の争いがあります。

There is a conflict between the dog and the cat.

Existence with 'arimasu'.

争いのない世界がいいです。

A world without conflict is good.

Modifying a noun with 'nai'.

あの二人は争いをしています。

Those two are having a conflict.

Noun + o + shiteimasu (present continuous).

おもちゃの争いが起きました。

A fight over a toy happened.

Subject with 'ga' + verb 'okiru'.

テストの点で争いになった。

It became a conflict over test scores.

Resultative 'ni natta'.

どちらが速いか、争いが続いている。

The struggle over who is faster continues.

Embedded question with 'ka'.

彼は争いを避けるために黙っていた。

He kept quiet to avoid conflict.

Purpose clause with 'tame ni'.

この町では水不足で争いが起きた。

In this town, a conflict occurred due to water shortage.

Reason indicated by 'de'.

テレビのチャンネル争いは毎日です。

The fight for the TV channel is every day.

Compound-like noun phrase.

争いを止めるのは難しい。

Stopping a conflict is difficult.

Nominalized verb phrase with 'no wa'.

つまらない争いは時間の無駄だ。

Trivial conflicts are a waste of time.

Adjective 'tsumaranai' modifying 'arasoi'.

隣の家と境界線の争いがある。

There is a dispute with the neighbor over the boundary line.

Specific topic with 'to'.

その二国間では長年、領土の争いが絶えない。

Between those two countries, territorial disputes never end.

Verb 'taenai' (never-ending).

彼は学内での主導権争いに巻き込まれた。

He got caught up in the struggle for leadership within the school.

Passive voice 'makikomareta'.

遺産をめぐる争いは、家族をバラバラにした。

The dispute over the inheritance tore the family apart.

Phrase 'o meguru' (concerning).

激しい優勝争いがファンの注目を集めている。

The fierce race for the championship is drawing the fans' attention.

Compound 'yūshō-arasoi'.

不必要な争いを防ぐためのルールが必要だ。

Rules are necessary to prevent unnecessary conflict.

Adjective 'fuhitsuyō na' (unnecessary).

裁判所は、その土地の争いに決着をつけた。

The court brought a conclusion to the land dispute.

Idiom 'ketchaku o tsukeru' (to settle).

心の奥底にある葛藤と争いについて書いた。

I wrote about the internal conflicts and struggles deep in the heart.

Abstract usage.

意見の争いを恐れずに議論すべきだ。

We should debate without fearing a conflict of opinions.

Negative te-form 'osorezu ni'.

宗教上の争いが歴史を大きく変えてきた。

Religious conflicts have greatly changed history.

Compound 'shūkyō-jō' (religious/on religion).

企業間の特許権争いは、莫大な費用がかかる。

Patent disputes between companies incur enormous costs.

Compound 'kigyō-kan' (between companies).

政治的な争いに終止符を打つ時が来た。

The time has come to put an end to the political struggle.

Idiom 'shūshifu o utsu' (to put a period/end).

その小説は、人間の醜い争いをリアルに描いている。

That novel realistically depicts the ugly struggles of humanity.

Adverbial 'riaru ni' (realistically).

貿易摩擦から生じた争いが、経済に悪影響を与えている。

The conflict arising from trade friction is negatively affecting the economy.

Clause 'kara shōjita' (arising from).

社内の派閥争いに嫌気がさして退職した。

I quit because I was fed up with the factional infighting in the company.

Compound 'habatsu-arasoi' (factional struggle).

彼は常にトップの座をめぐる争いの渦中にいる。

He is always in the midst of the struggle for the top position.

Metaphorical 'kashū' (vortex/midst).

法的な争いを避けるため、契約書を慎重に作成する。

To avoid legal disputes, prepare the contract carefully.

Adverb 'shinchō ni' (carefully).

資源の枯渇が、新たな国際的争いの火種となっている。

The depletion of resources is becoming a spark for new international conflicts.

Metaphor 'hidane' (spark/source of fire).

この作品は、理性と本能の永遠の争いをテーマにしている。

This work takes the eternal struggle between reason and instinct as its theme.

Abstract philosophical theme.

血で血を洗うような凄惨な争いが繰り返された。

A gruesome conflict, like washing blood with blood, was repeated.

Idiom 'chi de chi o arau' (bloody internecine strife).

言論の自由をめぐる争いは、民主主義の根幹に関わる問題だ。

The struggle over freedom of speech is an issue that concerns the very foundation of democracy.

Formal phrase 'konkan ni kakawaru'.

権力争いに明け暮れる政治家たちに、国民は失望している。

The citizens are disappointed in politicians who spend all their time in power struggles.

Verb phrase 'akekureru' (to do nothing but).

法廷での争いは、予想外の展開を見せた。

The battle in the courtroom showed an unexpected turn of events.

Idiomatic 'tenkai o miseru'.

生存争いにおける適者生存の原則を説明する。

Explain the principle of survival of the fittest in the struggle for existence.

Scientific/Academic context.

些細な誤解が、取り返しのつかない争いへと発展した。

A trivial misunderstanding developed into an irrecoverable conflict.

Phrase 'torikaeshi no tsukanai' (irrecoverable).

形而上学的な争いに終止符を打つのは、容易なことではない。

It is no easy feat to put an end to metaphysical disputes.

Highly academic 'keijijōgaku-teki'.

その紛争は、単なる領土争いを超えた、民族のアイデンティティの衝突である。

The conflict is a clash of ethnic identities that transcends a mere territorial dispute.

Nuance of 'koeta' (transcended).

覇権争いの裏で、多くの無辜の民が犠牲になった。

Behind the struggle for hegemony, many innocent civilians were sacrificed.

Word 'muko' (innocent).

彼は、知的所有権をめぐる泥沼の争いに身を投じた。

He threw himself into a quagmire-like dispute over intellectual property rights.

Metaphor 'doronuma' (quagmire/bog).

伝統と革新の争いは、芸術の歴史そのものである。

The struggle between tradition and innovation is the very history of art.

Philosophical observation.

権謀術数が渦巻く宮廷での争いを、冷徹な筆致で描く。

Depict the struggles in the court, swirling with machinations, with a cold and objective style.

Advanced vocabulary 'kenbō-jutsu-sū'.

内紛による醜い争いは、組織の崩壊を招いた。

The ugly struggle caused by internal strife led to the collapse of the organization.

Causative 'manaita' (invited/led to).

人智を超えた次元での争いが、神話の世界では語られている。

Struggles on a dimension beyond human intellect are told in the world of myth.

Spiritual/Mythological context.

Synonyms

喧嘩紛争闘い競争対立

Antonyms

平和和解協力

Common Collocations

争いが起きる

争いを避ける

激しい争い

争いを止める

無意味な争い

争いの火種

争いを好む

争いに勝つ

争いを解決する

争いの絶えない

Common Phrases

遺産争い

— A fight or dispute among relatives over an inheritance.

遺産争いで家族の仲が悪くなった。

権力争い

— A struggle for power within an organization or government.

党内での権力争いが続いている。

優勝争い

— The competition or race for the championship title.

優勝争いは最終戦までもつれ込んだ。

領土争い

— A territorial dispute between nations or regions.

隣国との領土争いが解決していない。

生存争い

— The struggle for survival, often used in biological contexts.

自然界は厳しい生存争いの世界だ。

派閥争い

— Factional infighting within a group or company.

派閥争いが原因でプロジェクトが遅れた。

醜い争い

— An ugly or shameful conflict.

お金をめぐる醜い争いは見たくない。

争い事

— Contentious matters, quarrels, or troubles in general.

争い事はできるだけ避けたい。

内輪の争い

— Internal strife or fighting within a close group.

内輪の争いでチームが崩壊した。

主導権争い

— A struggle for leadership or initiative.

会議で主導権争いが始まった。

Often Confused With

争い vs 喧嘩 (Kenka)

Arasoi is more formal/objective; Kenka is more emotional/personal.

争い vs 戦争 (Sensō)

Sensō is specifically armed military conflict; Arasoi is any kind of clash.

争い vs 競争 (Kyōsō)

Kyōsō is competition toward a goal; Arasoi is the struggle between the parties.

Idioms & Expressions

"争いの種"

— The cause or seed of a conflict.

その冗談が争いの種になった。

Neutral

"血で血を洗う争い"

— A bloody and gruesome conflict between people who should be close.

戦国時代には血で血を洗う争いがあった。

Literary

"骨肉の争い"

— A bitter conflict between blood relatives.

遺産をめぐる骨肉の争いが起きた。

Formal

"不毛な争い"

— A fruitless or pointless conflict that yields no results.

これ以上不毛な争いを続けるべきではない。

Neutral

"争いを収める"

— To settle a dispute or bring peace.

長老が二人の争いを収めた。

Neutral

"争いから身を引く"

— To withdraw oneself from a conflict.

彼は権力争いから身を引いた。

Neutral

"泥沼の争い"

— A quagmire-like conflict that is hard to escape and only gets worse.

裁判は泥沼の争いとなった。

Neutral

"争いに火を注ぐ"

— To add fuel to a conflict (make it worse).

彼の発言は争いに火を注ぐ結果となった。

Neutral

"争いを仕掛ける"

— To pick a fight or initiate a conflict.

相手に争いを仕掛けるのは賢明ではない。

Neutral

"争いの渦中"

— In the midst or vortex of a conflict.

彼は知らぬ間に争いの渦中にいた。

Neutral

Easily Confused

争い vs 紛争 (Funsō)

Both mean conflict/dispute.

Funsō is strictly formal and often implies a large-scale or international issue. Arasoi is more general.

国際紛争 (International dispute) vs 兄弟の争い (Sibling fight).

争い vs 闘争 (Tōsō)

Both mean struggle/fight.

Tōsō implies a more aggressive, often ideological or labor-related struggle.

階級闘争 (Class struggle) vs 1位争い (Race for 1st place).

争い vs 抗争 (Kōsō)

Both mean conflict.

Kōsō is used for organized, often violent conflicts between groups like gangs.

暴力団の抗争 (Gang war).

争い vs 論争 (Ronsō)

Both involve disagreement.

Ronsō is limited to verbal or intellectual debate.

学術的論争 (Academic debate).

争い vs 葛藤 (Kattō)

Both mean conflict.

Kattō is internal/mental; Arasoi is external.

心の葛藤 (Mental conflict).

Sentence Patterns

A と B の争い

犬と猫の争い。

[Noun] で争いになる

お金で争いになる。

[Noun] をめぐる争い

権利をめぐる争い。

争いが激化する

派閥争いが激化する。

争いに終止符を打つ

長い争いに終止符を打つ。

争いの火種となる

その事件が争いの火種となる。

争いの渦中にある

彼は今、争いの渦中にある。

血で血を洗う争い

一族の間で血で血を洗う争いが起きた。

Word Family

Nouns

争い事 (Arasoigoto - Contentious matters)

言い争い (Iiarasoi - Verbal argument)

先陣争い (Senjin-arasoi - Competition to be first)

Verbs

争う (Arasou - To fight, compete, dispute)

競い合う (Kisoiau - To compete with each other)

言い争う (Iiarasou - To argue verbally)

Adjectives

争い難い (Arasoigatai - Indisputable/Hard to deny)

好戦的な (Kōsenteki na - Belligerent/Liking conflict)

戦争 (Sensō - War)

紛争 (Funsō - Dispute)

闘争 (Tōsō - Struggle)

競争 (Kyōsō - Competition)

喧嘩 (Kenka - Fight)

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in news, history, and sports reporting. Medium frequency in daily casual conversation.

Common Mistakes

Using 'arasoi' for a simple argument with a friend. → Kenka (喧嘩) or Iiarasoi (言い争い).
'Arasoi' is a bit too heavy and formal for a small daily spat. It sounds like you are starting a legal case.
Saying 'arasoi-ta' for 'he fought'. → Arasotta (争った).
'Arasoi' is a noun. To use the verb 'to fight', you must use 'arasou'.
Confusing 'arasoi' with 'kyōsō' in a business context. → Kyōsō (競争).
'Kyōsō' is for standard market competition. 'Arasoi' implies a more direct, perhaps hostile clash.
Using 'arasoi' to mean 'mental dilemma'. → Kattō (葛藤).
'Arasoi' is external. If the struggle is inside your head, use 'kattō'.
Using 'arasoi' as a synonym for 'war' in every context. → Sensō (戦争).
While they are related, 'sensō' is the specific and correct term for military warfare. 'Arasoi' is too vague for specific historical events like WWII.

Tips

Choose Arasoi for Neutrality

If you are writing a report or an essay, use 'arasoi' instead of 'kenka'. It provides an objective tone that doesn't sound like you are taking sides or being overly emotional.

Master the 'o meguru' Pattern

Pair 'arasoi' with 'o meguru' to sound like a high-level speaker. 'Kenryoku o meguru arasoi' (a conflict over power) is a very common and professional structure.

Learn Compound Words

Many specific conflicts have their own compound names. Instead of saying 'a conflict about land,' learn 'ryōdo-arasoi'. This will significantly boost your reading comprehension of news.

Understand 'Wa'

Because harmony is so important in Japan, 'arasoi' is often discussed in terms of how to avoid it or resolve it. Understanding this will help you use the word in the right social context.

Listen for Sumō

Sumo wrestling broadcasts are a great place to hear 'yūshō-arasoi' repeated frequently. It's a perfect real-world listening exercise for this word.

Avoid internal conflict

Don't use 'arasoi' to describe your own indecision. Use 'kattō' (葛藤). 'Arasoi' usually involves another person or group.

Pitch Accent

Keep the 'a' low and the rest high. This is the standard Tokyo pitch accent for this noun. Practicing this will make you sound much more native.

Kanji Recognition

The kanji 争 often appears in other words like 'sensō' or 'kyōsō'. If you see it, you know some kind of struggle or competition is involved.

Use with 'okiru'

The most common verb to describe a conflict starting is 'okiru' (to happen/occur). 'Arasoi ga okita' is a very natural phrase.

Tug of War

Always visualize the tug-of-war in the kanji. It helps you remember that 'arasoi' isn't just a fight, but a struggle for something specific.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'A-RA-SO-I'. 'A'll 'RA'ging 'SO' 'I'ntensely. It sounds like a rowdy group clashing.

Visual Association

Imagine two people pulling a single gold coin in opposite directions. This matches the original kanji's visual origin.

Word Web

Dispute Conflict Competition Rivalry Struggle Fight Argument Clash

Challenge

Try to identify three types of 'arasoi' in today's news headlines. One should be political, one should be sports-related, and one should be social.

Word Origin

The word is the noun form (ren'yōkei) of the verb 'arasou'. The kanji '争' originally depicted two hands (one from above, one from below) pulling at a single object, representing a struggle for possession.

Original meaning: To pull against each other; to struggle for the same thing.

Japonic / Japanese.

Cultural Context

Be careful when using 'arasoi' for sensitive international conflicts; while it is technically correct, some might find it a 'soft' word compared to 'sensō' (war) if the situation involves high casualties.

In English, we might use 'fight' for everything, but Japanese speakers switch to 'arasoi' to make the situation sound more objective or institutional.

Sengoku Arasoi (The struggles of the Warring States period). Heike Monogatari (A classic epic about the struggle between clans). Sumo Yūshō-arasoi (The tournament championship race).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Family

兄弟の争い
遺産争い
テレビのチャンネル争い
些細な争い

Politics

権力争い
派閥争い
領土争い
政治的争い

Sports

優勝争い
1位争い
激しい争い
先陣争い

Law

法廷での争い
特許権の争い
争いを解決する
争いの決着

Nature/Science

生存争い
資源の争い
進化の過程での争い
縄張り争い

Conversation Starters

"最近、ニュースでどんな争いが話題になっていますか？"

"子供の頃、兄弟とどんな争いをしていましたか？"

"職場での権力争いに巻き込まれたことはありますか？"

"争いを避けるために、あなたは何をしますか？"

"スポーツの優勝争いで、どのチームを応援していますか？"

Journal Prompts

あなたが最近経験した小さな争いについて、どう解決したか書いてください。

世界から争いをなくすためには何が必要だと思いますか？

『競争』と『争い』の違いについて、あなたの考えを述べてください。

歴史上の有名な争いについて、一つ選んで説明してください。

もし自分が争いの渦中にいたら、どのような行動をとりますか？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You can, but it sounds very formal or dramatic. 'Kenka' is much more common for personal relationships. Use 'arasoi' if you are describing the situation to a lawyer or in a very serious way.

'Arasoi' is the noun (a conflict), while 'arasou' is the verb (to fight/compete). For example: 'Arasoi ga aru' (There is a conflict) vs 'Karera wa arasou' (They fight).

Not necessarily. In sports, 'yūshō-arasoi' (the race for the championship) is an exciting and positive use of the word. It simply implies a struggle for a goal.

You can say 'arasoi o yameru' (stop the conflict) or 'arasoi o tomeru' (physically stop/intervene in the conflict).

Yes, it can be a general term for war, but 'sensō' is the specific word for military warfare. 'Arasoi' might be used to describe the broader conflict surrounding a war.

It is a Grade 4 kanji in Japan. It's not too difficult, but you must be careful with the stroke order of the top part and the vertical line.

It specifically refers to a dispute among family members over the inheritance of a deceased relative's property. It's a very common phrase in Japan.

You wouldn't use it for a single match (use 'shiai' for that). You use 'arasoi' for the competition over a position or a title (like 'the struggle for the 1st place').

It means a verbal argument or a 'spat'. It's more common than just 'arasoi' for small disagreements.

The most natural way is 'arasoi o sakeru'.