Meaning and Usage
"戦闘" (せんとう) primarily refers to a battle or combat situation, often in a military context. It is a formal noun used to describe physical fighting between armed forces or sometimes metaphorically for intense struggles.
Common Contexts
You will often see "戦闘" used in news reports, historical texts, or military discussions. It can describe both large-scale battles and smaller skirmishes. It also appears in compound words like "戦闘機" (fighter aircraft).
Collocations and Patterns
- 戦闘が激しい (せんとうがはげしい): the battle is fierce; used to describe intensity.
- 戦闘態勢を整える (せんとうたいせいをととのえる): to prepare combat readiness; used in military or strategic contexts.
- 戦闘機 (せんとうき): fighter plane; a common compound.
Register and Nuance
"戦闘" is a formal and somewhat technical term. It is not used for casual fights or arguments between people. For everyday fights, words like "けんか" or "争い" are more common.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse "戦闘" with general fighting or quarrels. Remember, "戦闘" specifically implies armed or organized combat, not casual disputes.