抗争

• Reading: こうそう
• Romaji: kousou
• Kanji breakdown: 抗 (kō) — resist, oppose, defy; 争 (sō) — contend, fight, dispute
• Pronunciation: /koː.soː/

Meaning

Rivalry; feud; conflict; struggle; strife. An ongoing dispute or power struggle between groups.

A する verb (intransitive) and noun describing sustained conflict or power struggles between groups — gangs, political factions, companies, or nations. Carries a strong, serious tone and implies ongoing hostility rather than a single incident. Common phrases: 抗争が激化する (conflict intensifies), 派閥抗争 (factional strife), 武力抗争 (armed conflict).

Examples

1. 二つのグループの間で激しい抗争が続いている。 An intense conflict is ongoing between the two groups.
2. 党内の派閥抗争が政策に影響を与えている。 Factional strife within the party is affecting policy decisions.
3. 抗争の解決には双方の歩み寄りが必要だ。 Resolving the conflict requires compromise from both sides.

Usage Guide

Context: politics, crime, media

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Compound of 抗 (resist, oppose, defy) + 争 (contend, fight, dispute). Together they describe active resistance and conflict.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal