The kanji 争 争 generally conveys the core meaning of "to contend," "to dispute," "to fight," or "to compete." It implies a situation where two or more parties are in opposition, vying for something, or engaged in conflict. This could be a literal physical struggle or a more abstract competition, such as a debate or a contest.

・On-yomi (音読み): そう (sō) ・Kun-yomi (訓読み): あらそ(う) (araso(u))

⚫︎ 競争 (きょうそう) Translation: Competition; contest; rivalry. ⚫︎ 争う (あらそう) Translation: To compete; to contend; to dispute. ⚫︎ 戦争 (せんそう) Translation: War.

The kanji 争 争 is a pictograph. It depicts two hands grabbing at an object, symbolizing a struggle or conflict. The upper part represents two hands, and the lower part, a person or object they are competing over. Over time, the form of the kanji has evolved, but the core meaning of struggle and contention remains evident.