抗争（こうそう、kousoう）
- conflict

The Japanese word 抗争 (こうそう) primarily means "conflict," "struggle," "dispute," or "contention." It refers to a situation involving opposition, fighting, or disagreement between individuals, groups, or entities. It often implies a sustained or ongoing state of hostility, rather than a single isolated incident. The intensity can vary, ranging from verbal arguments to physical violence. 抗争 can be used to describe conflicts in various contexts, including politics, business, and interpersonal relationships.

⚫︎警察とギャングの間の抗争 Translation: The conflict between the police and the gangs. ⚫︎会社間の抗争 Translation: The disputes between companies. ⚫︎二つの部族間の領土抗争 Translation: The territorial conflict between two tribes.

⚫︎ This word is suitable for more formal or serious contexts. ⚫︎ It's best used when describing a sustained or significant conflict rather than a minor disagreement. ⚫︎ It can be used to describe internal strife within organizations as well as external conflicts between them. ⚫︎ It is appropriate for describing a power struggle.

⚫︎ The word is typically written with the kanji 抗争. ⚫︎ The reading is こうそう in hiragana. ⚫︎ There are no common variations in the okurigana.

⚫︎ 対立 (たいりつ) - opposition, confrontation ⚫︎ 争い (あらそい) - conflict, dispute, strife ⚫︎ 紛争 (ふんそう) - dispute, conflict, trouble ⚫︎ 闘争 (とうそう) - struggle, fight, contest ⚫︎ 衝突 (しょうとつ) - collision, conflict, clash

⚫︎ 和解 (わかい) - reconciliation, settlement ⚫︎ 協力 (きょうりょく) - cooperation, collaboration ⚫︎ 平和 (へいわ) - peace ⚫︎ 協調 (きょうちょう) - harmony, cooperation

その二つの国の間には長年にわたる領土抗争があった。 ・Translation: There has been a long-standing territorial conflict between those two countries. ・Explanation: This sentence illustrates how 抗争 is used to describe a prolonged dispute over territory.

その会社は、市場シェアを巡って競争相手との激しい抗争を繰り広げている。 ・Translation: That company is engaged in a fierce conflict with its competitors over market share. ・Explanation: This sentence demonstrates 抗争 being used to depict a struggle for market dominance.

The word 抗争 is formed from two kanji: 抗 (こう) and 争 (そう). 抗 can mean "to resist," "to oppose," or "to defy," while 争 means "to contend," "to dispute," or "to fight." Together, they create the meaning of a conflict or struggle.