争论

• Pinyin: zhēng lùn
• Hanzi breakdown: 争 = two hands pulling in opposite directions, to compete/contend; 论 = 讠(speech) + 仑 (order), to discuss logically

Meaning

To argue; to debate; to dispute. A back-and-forth exchange of differing views, often heated.

Used when two or more parties express conflicting opinions. Can be neutral (a healthy debate) or negative (a quarrel). 争论 focuses on the verbal exchange of arguments, unlike 争吵 which implies emotional conflict. Often followed by a topic: 争论这个问题 (argue about this issue).

Examples

1. 他们为了谁来负责这个项目争论了整整一个下午。 They argued the whole afternoon over who should be responsible for this project.
2. 这个问题在学术界一直存在争论，至今没有定论。 This issue has long been a subject of debate in academic circles, with no definitive conclusion yet.
3. 不要再争论了，我们需要尽快做出决定。 Stop arguing — we need to make a decision as quickly as possible.

Usage Guide

Context: academic, everyday, debate

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这两种方案各有优缺点，大家可以充分争论。(These two plans each have pros and cons — everyone is welcome to debate fully.)
• 他们争论了很久，最终还是没有达成共识。(They argued for a long time but still failed to reach a consensus.)

Don't Say

• 用'争论'来描述激烈的肢体冲突 (Don't use 争论 for physical fights — it is limited to verbal disputes; use 打架 for physical confrontations)

Origin & History

A compound of 争 (to compete/contend, a pictograph of two hands pulling) and 论 (to discuss, 言 speech + 仑 arrange), literally 'to contend in discussion'.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal