争
争·conflict, compete, dispute
- On-yomi
- ソウ
- Kun-yomi
- あらそう
By Nihongo PathUpdated
Stroke order
Write it in this order; the numbers mark where each stroke starts.
Common words
| Word | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 戦争 | せんそう | war |
| 争う | あらそう | to compete, to quarrel |
| 競争 | きょうそう | competition |
| 言い争う | いいあらそう | to argue, to have words |
Example sentences
二人は一位を争っています。
ふたりはいちいをあらそっています。
The two of them are competing for first place.
祖父は戦争の話をあまりしません。
そふはせんそうのはなしをあまりしません。
My grandfather doesn't talk much about the war.
この業界は競争がとても激しいです。
このぎょうかいはきょうそうがとてもはげしいです。
Competition in this industry is very fierce.
Similar-looking kanji
Do not confuse these on the exam.
Common mistakes
- Reading 戦争 as せんぞう instead of せんそう
- Using 争う for a friendly game — for sports and contests 競争する or 試合 is more natural
Memory aid
Picture it
Two hands grabbing the same vertical pole from above and below — neither will let go.
Vocabulary using this kanji
Quick check
1 / 2Multiple choiceDifficulty 2 of 5
What does the kanji 争 mean?