Meaning and Usage
"争い" (あらそい) refers to disputes, quarrels, or conflicts between people, groups, or nations. It often implies a serious disagreement that can be verbal or physical. This word is commonly used in formal and written contexts, such as news reports or academic discussions.
Common Contexts
You will see "争い" used in contexts involving legal disputes, territorial conflicts, family inheritance quarrels, or any situation where there is a clear opposition or competition.
Collocations and Patterns
- 争いが起きる (あらそいが おきる): a dispute arises
- 争いを避ける (あらそいを さける): to avoid conflict
- 争いを解決する (あらそいを かいけつする): to resolve a dispute
- 争いをめぐる (あらそいを めぐる): concerning a dispute
Nuance and Register
"争い" carries a somewhat formal tone and is often used in written Japanese or formal speech. It is more serious than casual words like "けんか" (fight) or "口論" (argument). When using "争い," the speaker implies a significant disagreement or conflict that may have legal, social, or political implications.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "争い" with "けんか," which is more casual and often refers to physical fights or arguments among friends or children. Use "争い" when referring to more serious or formal disputes to sound natural and appropriate.