Quick answer
争 is the kanji for "Argue". It is a JLPT N3 kanji. The main reading is あらそ.う (arasou). Stroke-order practice is available below.
Meaning
Argue
Also : Contend · Dispute
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Readings
kun = Japanese reading · on = Chinese reading
Practice writing
Trace the kanji stroke by stroke with a visual guide.
Stroke Order
6 strokes
Radicals
Memory Aid
The kanji 争 represents 'CONTEND'. Think of this shape as a picture representing the concept of contend.
On-reading: そう — remember this sound by associating it with contend. Kun-reading: あらそ.う.
Example Sentences
争いを避けるために話し合いました。
あらそいをさけるためにはなしあいました。
We talked to avoid conflict.
競争が激しい業界です。
きょうそうがはげしいぎょうかいです。
It's a highly competitive industry.
Vocabulary using 争
Grammar to study at this level
- [Verb dictionary/nai form] + ように～ように (you ni) - So that
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことにする～ことにする (koto ni suru) - Decide to
- [Verb dictionary form] + ことになる～ことになる (koto ni naru) - It has been decided that
- [Noun/Verb te-form] + ばかり～ばかり (bakari) - Only / Nothing but
- [Verb/Adjective plain form] + はずだ～はずだ (hazu da) - Should be / It is expected
Last updated Jul 22, 2026
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