1.
to argue, to quarrel verbally
To exchange heated words with someone over a disagreement. Implies a mutual verbal conflict where both sides are actively disputing. Stronger than a simple discussion but does not imply physical confrontation.
兄弟で言い争った。
The siblings argued with each other.
些細なことで言い争うのはやめよう。
Let's stop arguing over trivial things.
隣人と駐車場の使い方について言い争いになった。
I got into an argument with my neighbor about how the parking lot is used.
PARTICLE PATTERNS:
- AとBが言い争う: A and B argue (with each other)
- ～について言い争う: to argue about ~
- ～のことで言い争う: to argue over ~
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 激しく言い争う: to argue fiercely
- 言い争いになる: to turn into an argument (noun form)
- 言い争いが絶えない: arguments never cease
USAGE:
The compound verb 言い争う emphasizes verbal conflict — both parties are talking back at each other. The noun form 言い争い is also very common. Compare with 喧嘩する, which can include physical fighting, while 言い争う is strictly verbal.