争议

• Pinyin: zhēng yì
• Hanzi breakdown: 争 = hand strokes depicting struggle; 议 = 讠(speech) + 义 (meaning)

Meaning

To dispute; controversy; debate. A disagreement or argument about something, especially a public issue.

Used for public debates, controversial topics, or legal disputes. Common phrases: 引起争议 (cause controversy), 有争议 (controversial), 争议性话题 (controversial topic). Can be both noun and verb.

Examples

1. 这项政策引起了广泛的争议。 This policy has caused widespread controversy.
2. 关于这个问题，专家们之间存在很大争议。 There is great controversy among experts regarding this issue.
3. 他的言论一直备受争议。 His remarks have always been highly controversial.

Usage Guide

Context: news, academic, legal

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 这个话题很有争议。(This topic is very controversial.)
• 双方对此存在争议。(Both parties have a dispute over this.)

Don't Say

• 我跟朋友争议了 (For personal arguments, use 争论 or 吵架 — 争议 is for public debates)

Origin & History

Compound of 争 (to compete, to argue) and 议 (to discuss). To argue and discuss.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal