バトル

ばとる
noun, suru verb
battle, contest
1. battle, contest, showdown
A fight, competition, or heated confrontation. Used broadly in games, entertainment, sports, and everyday rivalries.
バトルが(はじ)まった。
The battle has begun.
ダンスバトルで優勝(ゆうしょう)した。
I won the dance battle.
ライバル同士(どうし)(はげ)しいバトルが観客(かんきゃく)()かせた。
The fierce battle between rivals got the audience fired up.

USAGE:
バトル is lighter in tone than 戦闘(せんとう) or (たたか)い. It is very common in gaming, anime, and entertainment contexts but is also used casually for everyday competitions and arguments.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • バトルロイヤル: battle royale
  • ラップバトル: rap battle
  • バトルシーン: battle scene
  • バトル漫画(まんが): battle manga (a genre)
  • バトルする: to battle, to compete

SIMILAR WORDS:
(たたか)い and 戦闘(せんとう) refer to more serious fighting or warfare. バトル has a more casual, entertainment-oriented nuance.