Translation guide
How to express 'quarrel' in Japanese, covering arguments, disputes, and fights.
To express having a heated verbal disagreement or argument with someone.
A general term for a verbal quarrel or argument. Can be used as a noun or with する to mean 'to quarrel'.
彼と口論になった。
I got into a quarrel with him.
口論はすぐに収まった。
The quarrel soon subsided.
Common word for a quarrel or fight, ranging from verbal arguments to physical fights. Often used with する.
兄弟でよく喧嘩する。
The siblings often quarrel.
つまらないことで喧嘩した。
We quarreled over something trivial.
A verbal dispute or argument. Slightly more formal than 喧嘩. Can be used with する.
言い争いが絶えない。
Quarrels never cease.
A verbal quarrel, specifically a 'mouth fight'. Emphasizes the verbal aspect.
夫婦の口げんかはよくあることだ。
Married couples often have quarrels.
To describe a small, often trivial quarrel or squabble.
A minor quarrel, squabble, or trouble. Often used for petty disputes.
隣人とのいざこざが続いている。
The petty quarrels with the neighbor continue.
To express a quarrel that involves physical fighting.
As noted, 喧嘩 covers both verbal and physical fights. Context determines the meaning.
酒場で喧嘩が始まった。
A quarrel broke out at the bar.
A brawl or free-for-all fight involving multiple people. More intense than a simple quarrel.
To express a serious disagreement that leads to a rift in a relationship.
A falling-out or estrangement due to a quarrel. Often used with する.
金のことで仲たがいした。
They quarreled over money and fell out.
Discord or dissension. A more formal term for a state of disagreement.
家族の間に不和が生じた。
A quarrel arose within the family.
To express the act of starting a quarrel intentionally.
Literally 'to sell a fight', meaning to pick a quarrel or provoke someone.
彼はよく喧嘩を売ってくる。
He often tries to pick a quarrel with me.
喧嘩 is the most common and can refer to both verbal and physical fights. 口論 is strictly verbal and slightly more formal. 言い争い is also verbal but emphasizes the back-and-forth of an argument.
口論は言葉だけだが、喧嘩は手が出ることもある。
A 口論 is only words, but a 喧嘩 can sometimes get physical.
English 'quarrel' as a verb is often translated using 喧嘩する or 口論する, but in many contexts, it's more natural to use a noun form with になる or がある. For example, 'They quarreled' is often better as 喧嘩になった rather than 喧嘩した, depending on the nuance.
A minor scuffle or squabble. Can be verbal or physical, but on a small scale.
ちょっとした小競り合いがあった。
There was a little quarrel.
乱闘になって警察が呼ばれた。
It turned into a brawl and the police were called.
To pick a quarrel by making a false accusation or finding fault unreasonably.
言いがかりをつけて喧嘩を始めた。
He picked a quarrel and started a fight.