討論

• Reading: とうろん
• Romaji: touron
• Kanji breakdown: 討 (tou) — discuss, attack, debate; 論 (ron) — argument, theory, discourse
• Pronunciation: /toː.ɾoɴ/

Meaning

Debate; discussion. A structured exchange of opposing opinions on a particular topic.

A noun and suru-verb used for formal debates and discussions where participants present and defend positions. More confrontational than 議論 (giron, discussion) — 討論 implies opposing sides actively challenging each other. Common in academic, political, and media settings. Often used as 討論する (to debate) or in compounds like 討論会 (debate forum).

Examples

1. 環境問題について学生たちが討論を行った。 The students held a debate on environmental issues.
2. 国会で激しい討論が交わされた。 A heated debate took place in the National Diet.
3. あのテーマは討論する価値がある。 That topic is worth debating.

Usage Guide

Context: academics, politics, media

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese: 討 (tou, attack/discuss) + 論 (ron, argument/theory). The character 討 originally meant 'to strike' — the compound suggests attacking a topic with arguments.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Educated