係争

• Reading: けいそう
• Romaji: keisou
• Kanji breakdown: 係 (kei/kaka) — relate to, concern; 争 (sō/araso) — dispute, contend, fight
• Pronunciation: /keːsoː/

Meaning

Dispute; litigation; conflict; contention. A contested matter under legal or formal debate.

A formal legal and political term for matters that are under dispute or in contention, particularly in courts or formal proceedings. Often appears as a modifier: 係争中 (currently in dispute) or 係争地 (disputed territory). Implies that the matter is unresolved and being actively contested.

Examples

1. その土地は長年にわたる係争の末、ようやく所有権が確定した。 After years of litigation over the land, ownership was finally determined.
2. 係争中の案件については、弁護士以外にはお答えできません。 We cannot comment on matters currently under dispute to anyone other than the attorney.
3. 国境の係争は両国間に深刻な緊張をもたらしていた。 The border dispute was causing serious tension between the two countries.

Usage Guide

Context: law, politics, international relations, business

Tone: formal

Origin & History

Compound of 係 (kei, to concern/relate to) and 争 (sō, to dispute/contend). Together they form a word meaning a matter being contested or fought over.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Professional