物議を醸す

• Reading: ぶつぎをかもす
• Romaji: butsugi wo kamosu
• Kanji breakdown: 物 (butsu/mono) — thing; 議 (gi) — discussion, debate; 醸 (kamo/jō) — to brew, cause
• Pronunciation: /bɯ.tsɯ.ɡi.o.ka.mo.sɯ/

Meaning

To cause controversy; to stir up debate; to arouse criticism. Describes actions or statements that provoke public discussion or outrage.

A compound expression where 物議 (public discussion/controversy) is paired with 醸す (to brew/cause). The verb 醸す is Group 1 (godan). Frequently used in news reporting and commentary about politicians, celebrities, or corporate decisions that generate backlash.

Examples

1. その企業の広告が物議を醸している。 That company's advertisement is stirring up controversy.
2. 大臣の失言が国会で物議を醸した。 The minister's slip of the tongue sparked controversy in the Diet.
3. SNSに投稿した写真が物議を醸すことになった。 A photo posted on social media ended up causing controversy.

Usage Guide

Context: news, politics, social media

Tone: critical

Origin & History

From 物議 (public debate) and 醸す (to brew, originally referring to sake brewing). The metaphor likens the stirring of controversy to the fermentation process.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal