1.
scene of carnage, fierce battle scene
A scene of intense fighting, conflict, or chaos. Originally a Buddhist term for the realm of fighting demons (asura).
修羅場をくぐり抜ける。
To survive a fierce battle.
数々の修羅場を経験してきたベテラン記者だ。
He's a veteran journalist who has been through countless intense situations.
戦場はまさに修羅場だった。
The battlefield was a true scene of carnage.
2.
dramatic confrontation, ugly scene
A tense, emotionally charged situation, especially a confrontation in personal relationships such as being caught cheating.
修羅場になった。
It turned into an ugly scene.
浮気がバレて修羅場になった。
The cheating was discovered and it became an ugly confrontation.
締め切り前の職場は毎回修羅場だ。
The workplace before a deadline is always a scene of chaos.
USAGE:
Sense 2 is extremely common in modern casual usage, especially in relationship drama. The word has broadened to describe any intensely stressful or chaotic situation, including work deadlines.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 修羅場をくぐる: to go through intense situations
- 修羅場になる: to turn into a dramatic scene
- 修羅場を経験する: to experience a fierce situation
ETYMOLOGY:
From Buddhist cosmology: 修羅 (asura, fighting demons) + 場 (place). Originally referred to the realm where asura battle constantly.
READING NOTE:
Also read as しゅらじょう in more literary contexts, though しゅらば is standard in modern usage.