Translation and Meaning of: 争う - arasou

If you have ever found yourself arguing with someone in Japanese or watching an anime where characters are at odds, you have probably heard the word 争う (あらそう). This verb carries an interesting weight, as it can mean anything from a simple dispute to a fierce competition. In this article, we will explore its etymology, how the kanji reveals its meaning, as well as practical tips for memorization and usage in everyday life. If you use Anki or another spaced repetition system, you will love the sentences we’ve prepared to boost your studies.

What many people don't know is that 争う goes beyond "to argue" — it is connected to conflicts, rivalries, and even sports competitions. If you've ever wondered why this kanji has this shape or how to differentiate it from similar words, you are in the right place. Here, in addition to uncovering the origin of this word, we will show how Japanese people use it in everyday life, including common expressions and even a pun or two to help you .

The Kanji and its Origin: What does 争 Hide?

The kanji 争 is composed of two visual elements that tell a story. At the top, we have the radical 爪 (tsume), which means "claw" or "nail," and at the bottom, 亅 (hane), a stroke that suggests movement. Together, they create the image of hands grasping, almost like two people pulling something in opposite directions. It is no wonder that the character carries the meaning of dispute or conflict.

Interestingly, in ancient China, this same kanji was used in contexts of physical competition, such as fights or tournaments. Over time, its meaning expanded to encom verbal disputes and even legal battles. If you look closely, the structure of the kanji seems like two people pushing against each other — a perfect representation of what the word means.

Everyday Lies: When do Japanese people use 争う?

In Japan, 争う is not limited to heated discussions. It appears in various contexts, from sports to politics. For example, in a sumo match, the wrestlers 優勝を争う (yūshō o arasou) — compete for the championship. In the workplace, colleagues may 昇進を争う (shōshin o arasou), competing for a promotion. The word has a more serious tone than 戦う (tatakau), which implies a direct combat, or 議論する (giron suru), used for formal debates.

A valuable tip: pay attention to verbal complements. When 争う is accompanied by ために (tame ni), it usually indicates a dispute over something specific, such as 土地を争う (tochi o arasou) — fighting for land. With と (to), it shows a conflict between parties: 彼と争う (kare to arasou) — arguing with him. These nuances make all the difference when constructing natural sentences.

Memorization and Curiosities: How to This Word

A fun way to 争う is to associate the kanji with a mental image. Imagine two people pulling a rope in a tug of war — exactly like the strokes of the character suggest. If you like puns, think of "ara" (あら), which sounds like the beginning of "herald," someone who announces a conflict. It's no coincidence that in mangas like "Naruto," this word appears in scenes of confrontation between villains and heroes.

To practice, how about creating flashcards with everyday phrases? Write down examples like 「兄弟でおもちゃを争った」 (kyōdai de omocha o arasotta) — "The brothers fought over the toy." Or formal situations, like 「両社が契約を争っている」 (ryōsha ga keiyaku o arasotte iru) — "The two companies are competing for the contract." The more contextualized the learning, the harder it is to forget.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 争う

• 争う - basic form
• 争っている - Continuous form
• 争おう - imperative form
• 争える - potential form

Synonyms and similar words

• 闘う (Tōkō) - fight, combat, brawl
• 戦う (Tatakau) - fight, combat, especially in contexts of war or competition
• 競う (Kiso) - compete, dispute, in contexts of rivalry
• 紛争する (Funsō suru) - enter into dispute, conflicts, discussions
• 争いを起こす (Arasoi o okosu) - provoke a dispute, initiate a conflict
• 争いをする (Arasoi o suru) - to have a dispute, to be involved in conflicts
• 争闘する (Sōtō suru) - fight for a cause, intense struggle
• 争奪する (Sōdatsu suru) - fight for possessions, dispute for something that is desired
• 争い合う (Arasoi au) - dispute mutually, fight among themselves
• 争いを繰り広げる (Arasoi o kurihirogeru) - unfold a dispute, prolong conflicts
• 争いを交わす (Arasoi o kawasu) - exchange disputes, interact in conflicts
• 争いを挑む (Arasoi o idomu) - challenge in a conflict, instigate a dispute
• 争いを仕掛ける (Arasoi o shikakeru) - initiate a dispute, incite conflict
• 争いを引き起こす (Arasoi o hikiokosu) - provoke a conflict, trigger a dispute
• 争いを生む (Arasoi o umu) - generate conflict, create disputes