Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Quarrel" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "quarrel", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
いざこざ
いざこざ (izakoza)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
鬩
せめぐ
C2PLUS / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "quarrel" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between いざこざ and 鬩.
In Japanese, いざこざ (いざこざ (izakoza)) is typically associated with "quarrel; dispute; trouble; squabble" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents Refers to minor disputes or troubles, often between people. It implies a small, sometimes recurring, conflict..
On the other hand, 鬩 (せめぐ) maps to "To quarrel, to contend with, to be in conflict (archaic verb)" (Syllabus Level: C2PLUS) and represents Essential structural term in CEFR C2PLUS vocabulary syllabus.. A literal translation of "quarrel" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "いざこざ"
夫婦の間にいざこざが絶えない。
There are constant squabbles between the couple.
Bilingual Context for "鬩"
毎日、日本語を練習するために鬩。
Every day, I quarrel, to contend with, to be in conflict (archaic verb) to practice Japanese.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "夫婦の間に ＿＿＿ が絶えない。" (Meaning: "There are constant squabbles between the couple.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "いざこざ" fits here because it means "quarrel; dispute; trouble; squabble" in the context of: "There are constant squabbles between the couple.". "鬩" represents "To quarrel, to contend with, to be in conflict (archaic verb)".