Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Conflict" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "conflict", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
葛藤
かっとう (kattō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
抵触
ていしょく (teishoku)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "conflict" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 葛藤 and 抵触.
In Japanese, 葛藤 (かっとう (kattō)) is typically associated with "conflict; trouble; discord; mental struggle between choices" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to a mental struggle, conflict, or discord between opposing choices, feelings, or duties.
On the other hand, 抵触 (ていしょく (teishoku)) maps to "conflict; contravention; infringement; violation (of laws, rules, etc.)" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Primarily used when something. A literal translation of "conflict" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "葛藤"
安定したサラリーマン生活を続けるか、夢を追って起業するか、彼の胸の中では激しい_______が続いていました。
Whether to continue a stable salaryman life or pursue a dream and start a business, intense conflict continued in his chest.
Bilingual Context for "抵触"
その行為は法律に抵触する恐れがある。
That action may infringe upon the law.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "安定したサラリーマン生活を続けるか、夢を追って起業するか、彼の胸の中では激しい_______が続いていました。" (Meaning: "Whether to continue a stable salaryman life or pursue a dream and start a business, intense conflict continued in his chest.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "葛藤" fits here because it means "conflict; trouble; discord; mental struggle between choices" in the context of: "Whether to continue a stable salaryman life or pursue a dream and start a business, intense conflict continued in his chest.". "抵触" represents "conflict; contravention; infringement; violation (of laws, rules, etc.)".