口論

• Reading: こうろん
• Romaji: kouron
• Kanji breakdown: 口 (kou/kuchi) — mouth; 論 (ron) — argument, debate, theory
• Pronunciation: /koː.ɾoɴ/

Meaning

Quarrel; argument; verbal dispute. A heated exchange of words between people who disagree.

A noun and suru-verb describing a verbal fight or heated argument. Stronger than 議論 (giron, debate/discussion) because 口論 implies emotional intensity and conflict rather than rational exchange. Common collocations include 口論になる (to get into an argument), 口論が絶えない (arguments never cease), and 些細なことで口論する (to argue over trivial matters). Often implies that the argument is unproductive.

Examples

1. 些細なことから口論になってしまった。 We ended up getting into an argument over something trivial.
2. 電車の中で見知らぬ人と口論している人がいた。 There was someone on the train arguing with a stranger.
3. 夫婦の口論が隣の部屋まで聞こえた。 The couple's argument could be heard from the next room.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, relationships, news reports

Tone: negative

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 口 (kou, mouth) + 論 (ron, argument/debate). Literally 'mouth debate' — a debate fought with spoken words, implying an uncontrolled exchange.

Cultural Context

Era: Pre-modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal