Meaning and Usage
"戦い" (たたかい) primarily means a battle or fight, often referring to physical combat or conflict. It can describe historical battles, personal struggles, or metaphorical fights such as competitions or elections.
Common Contexts
You will see "戦い" used in historical contexts (e.g., famous battles), personal determination (fighting for beliefs), and competitive situations (elections, sports).
Collocations and Patterns
- 戦いに勝つ (たたかいにかつ): to win a battle or fight
- 戦いを続ける (たたかいをつづける): to continue fighting
- 激しい戦い (はげしいたたかい): a fierce battle
Register and Nuance
"戦い" is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It often implies a serious or important conflict, not casual quarrels.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse "戦い" with "争い" (あらそい), which also means conflict but often refers to disputes or arguments rather than physical fights or battles. Use "戦い" when emphasizing combat or struggle.