主張する

• Reading: しゅちょうする
• Romaji: shuchou suru
• Kanji breakdown: 主 (shu) — main, master; 張 (chō) — stretch, extend
• Pronunciation: /ɕɯ.tɕoː.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To assert; to claim; to insist; to argue. Used when firmly stating one's position or opinion.

A する verb formed from the noun 主張 (assertion/claim). Implies conviction and firmness. Common in debates, legal contexts, academic writing, and news reporting. Can be neutral (stating a position) or confrontational (insisting stubbornly), depending on context.

Examples

1. 彼は自分の意見を強く主張した。 He strongly asserted his opinion.
2. 被告は無罪を主張している。 The defendant is claiming innocence.
3. 会議で新しい方法を主張する人が多かった。 Many people argued for a new approach at the meeting.

Usage Guide

Context: debate, legal, academic

Tone: assertive

Origin & History

Compound of 主 (shu, main/lord) and 張 (chō, stretch/extend). Literally 'to extend one's main point' — stretching out and asserting one's position.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal