葛藤

• Reading: かっとう
• Romaji: kattou
• Kanji breakdown: 葛 (katsu) — kudzu vine; 藤 (tou) — wisteria
• Pronunciation: /ka.t.to.ɯ/

Meaning

Conflict; inner struggle; discord. Describes psychological or interpersonal tension.

A noun that also functions as a する verb (葛藤する means 'to struggle with inner conflict'). Originally referred to intertwining vines (葛 and 藤), metaphorically representing complicated entanglements. Used both for internal psychological conflicts and external interpersonal disputes.

Examples

1. 仕事と家庭の間で葛藤している。 I'm torn between work and family.
2. 彼は長い間、心の中で葛藤を抱えていた。 He carried an inner struggle within himself for a long time.
3. 親子の葛藤はどの家庭にもある。 Conflict between parents and children exists in every family.

Usage Guide

Context: psychology, relationships, literature

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Composed of 葛 (kudzu vine) and 藤 (wisteria). These two climbing plants intertwine and tangle when growing together, providing a vivid metaphor for complicated conflicts.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal