Translation guide
A short, confused fight or struggle, usually not serious or planned.
To describe a minor, spontaneous physical altercation, like pushing and shoving.
A general term for a brawl or scuffle involving multiple people. Often used in sports or public disturbances.
To describe a physical struggle involving pushing, often to grab an object or move.
To refer to a scuffle in very casual conversation, often among kids or friends.
A general word for a fight or quarrel. Can range from verbal to physical, but often used for minor scuffles.
English often uses 'scuffle' as a verb ('They scuffled'), but Japanese typically uses noun phrases like 乱闘する or 小競り合いをする. Avoid direct verb translations like スクランブルする, which is not used for fighting.
乱闘 implies a chaotic, multi-person brawl, while 喧嘩 is a broader term for any fight or argument. For a minor scuffle, 喧嘩 is often more natural in casual speech.
バーで乱闘が起きた。
A scuffle broke out in the bar.
男の子二人がおもちゃの奪い合いで小競り合いになった。
The two boys got into a scuffle over a toy.
試合後に乱闘が起きた。
A scuffle broke out after the game.
A minor scuffle or skirmish, often implying a petty quarrel that turns physical.
酔っ払い同士の小競り合いがあった。
There was a scuffle between some drunks.
A grappling scuffle, often one-on-one, like grabbing each other's clothes.
兄弟が取っ組み合いの喧嘩を始めた。
The brothers started a scuffle, grabbing each other.
A pushing and shoving scuffle, often in a crowd or during an arrest.
警察との揉み合いで彼は怪我をした。
He was injured in a scuffle with the police.
A scuffle over something, like people fighting to grab an item.
選手たちはボールの奪い合いになった。
The players got into a scuffle for the ball.
A jostling scuffle in a crowd, like pushing and shoving to get through.
満員電車で乗客が押し合いへし合いしていた。
Passengers were scuffling to get on the crowded train.
子供たちがちょっとした喧嘩をした。
The kids had a little scuffle.
A petty scuffle or trouble, often more verbal but can imply physical tussle.
隣人とのいざこざが絶えない。
There are constant scuffles with the neighbors.