纠纷

• Pinyin: jiū fēn
• Hanzi breakdown: 纠 = 纟(silk) + 丩, to entangle; 纷 = 纟+ 分, numerous and tangled

Meaning

Dispute; conflict; disagreement. A clash or controversy between parties.

Used for various types of conflicts: legal disputes (法律纠纷), labor disputes (劳动纠纷), neighbor disputes (邻里纠纷), or international disputes (国际纠纷). More formal than 吵架 (quarrel), often implying matters that may require mediation or legal resolution.

Examples

1. 这起劳动纠纷已经持续了好几个月，双方至今没有达成一致。 This labor dispute has been going on for several months, and the two sides still haven't reached an agreement.
2. 邻里之间因为停车位的问题产生了纠纷，最后只好请物业调解。 A dispute arose between neighbors over parking spaces, and eventually they had to ask property management to mediate.
3. 合同纠纷在商业活动中非常常见，最好事先咨询律师。 Contract disputes are very common in business activities; it's best to consult a lawyer beforehand.

Usage Guide

Context: legal, workplace, news

Tone: serious

Do Say

• 这件纠纷需要法律途径解决。(This dispute needs to be resolved through legal channels.)
• 产生纠纷后应该冷静协商。(After a dispute arises, you should calmly negotiate.)

Don't Say

• 用纠纷形容朋友间的小摩擦 (纠纷 is too formal for casual disagreements — use 矛盾 or 小冲突 for everyday friction)

Origin & History

Compound of 纠 (to entangle, to correct) + 纷 (numerous, confused). Together describing a tangled, confusing conflict.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal