To have a conflict with someone, ranging from a verbal argument to a physical fight.
Word in 30 Seconds
- To engage in a verbal or physical argument.
- Commonly used for conflicts between friends or family.
- Implies emotional tension and disagreement.
一般的な文脈：友人、家族、恋人、兄弟など、親しい間柄での小競り合いから、見知らぬ人とのトラブルまで幅広く使われます。深刻な暴力沙汰から、子供の些細な言い争いまでカバーする言葉です。
- 1類語との比較：「言い争う」は言葉のやり取りに焦点を当てていますが、「喧嘩する」には物理的な争いや、より感情的な対立が含まれることが多いです。「揉める（もめる）」は、トラブルによって関係がこじれるというプロセスに焦点があります。
Examples
昨日、友達と喧嘩した。
everydayI had a fight with my friend yesterday.
彼らは些細なことで喧嘩している。
formalThey are quarreling over something trivial.
喧嘩はやめなさい！
informalStop fighting!
喧嘩の仲裁に入る。
academicTo intervene in a fight.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
喧嘩両成敗
Both parties in a fight are at fault.
喧嘩っ早い
Short-tempered.
Often Confused With
Giron suru means to debate or discuss logically. It lacks the emotional intensity of kenka suru.
Momeru refers to a situation becoming complicated or troublesome, often involving multiple parties.
Grammar Patterns
How to Use It
Usage Notes
Kenka suru is a versatile verb used across all age groups. It is informal to neutral in register. Avoid using it in professional settings where 'tōron' or 'iken no sōi' are preferred.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'ni' instead of 'to' when describing the person they fought with. Remember that 'to' is the correct particle for mutual actions. Also, avoid using it to describe political debates.
Tips
Use with 'to' for partners
When mentioning who you fought with, use the particle 'to'. For example, 'Tomodachi to kenka suru'.
Avoid in formal settings
Do not use this word in formal business reports. Use 'tōron' (debate) or 'tōron' instead.
Family and relationship dynamics
In Japan, 'kenka' is often seen as a sign of closeness in relationships, as it implies honesty.
Word Origin
The word originates from the combination of 'ken' (to strike) and 'ka' (to dispute). Historically, it has evolved to cover both verbal and physical conflict.
Cultural Context
In Japan, 'kenka' is often associated with the phrase 'kenka suru hodo naka ga yoi' (the more you fight, the closer you become). It reflects the belief that honest conflict can strengthen a bond.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Ken-Ka' as 'Can-Car', like two people bumping their cans together in anger. It's a loud, clashing sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsはい、大人でも日常的に使います。ただし、ビジネスの場では「意見の相違」や「トラブル」という言葉の方が好まれます。
「喧嘩」は個人間の小規模な争いです。一方、「戦争」は国家や大規模な集団同士の武力衝突を指します。
「喧嘩した」となります。例えば「昨日、友達と喧嘩した」のように使います。
「喧嘩を売る（挑発する）」や「喧嘩を買う（挑発に応じる）」といった慣用句もよく使われます。
Test Yourself
昨日、兄___喧嘩した。
「〜と喧嘩する」という形が一般的です。
「喧嘩する」の意味は？
喧嘩は対立や争いを意味します。
（喧嘩した / 友達 / 昨日 / と）
時を表す言葉を文頭に置くのが自然です。
Score: /3
Summary
To have a conflict with someone, ranging from a verbal argument to a physical fight.
- To engage in a verbal or physical argument.
- Commonly used for conflicts between friends or family.
- Implies emotional tension and disagreement.
Use with 'to' for partners
When mentioning who you fought with, use the particle 'to'. For example, 'Tomodachi to kenka suru'.
Avoid in formal settings
Do not use this word in formal business reports. Use 'tōron' (debate) or 'tōron' instead.
Family and relationship dynamics
In Japan, 'kenka' is often seen as a sign of closeness in relationships, as it implies honesty.
Examples
4 of 4昨日、友達と喧嘩した。
I had a fight with my friend yesterday.
彼らは些細なことで喧嘩している。
They are quarreling over something trivial.
喧嘩はやめなさい！
Stop fighting!
喧嘩の仲裁に入る。
To intervene in a fight.
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について
A2about; concerning
宛先
B1The address or name of the recipient to whom mail or an email is sent.
番地
A2House number
賛同
B1Approval, endorsement; support or agreement with an idea.
~も
A2Too, also.
〜そして
A1And then; and (used to connect sentences or clauses).
たり
A2Indicates a non-exhaustive list of actions/states ('and so on').
〜や
A2And; and so forth (used to list examples, implying others exist).
お知らせ
B1Notice; an announcement or communication.
答え
A2A thing said, written, or done as a reaction to a question or statement.
