How to say "argue" in Japanese

• 論ずるろんずるJLPT N2approx.Common
  ichidan verb (-zuru), transitive verbCovers the reasoned sense of 'argue': to dispute or argue a point with logic, as when a scholar argues a thesis. Essentially the same verb as 論じる, and interchangeable with it.
• 争うあらそうJLPT N2approx.Common
  godan verb, intransitive verbCovers the quarrelsome sense: to argue or dispute with heat, the parties at variance — family quarrels, disputes over money. It implies contention, so it is not the word for calm, reasoned argument.
  その囚人しゅうじん達たちはまるで狂人きょうじんのように互たがいに争あらそった。↗

  The prisoners fought one another like so many mad people.
• 渡り合うわたりあうCommon
  godan verb, intransitive verbCovers the give-and-take sense: to argue with someone, an argument or debate in which two sides go head-to-head, each pressing their case. Think of debaters answering each other point for point.
• 論じるろんじるJLPT N3approx.Common
  ichidan verb, transitive verbThe same verb as 論ずる: to argue or dispute a point by reasoning, as when an essay argues that a policy is flawed. Either form works for the reasoned sense of 'argue'.

For reasoned argument — disputing or arguing a point with logic — use 「論じる」 or 「論ずる」; 「争う」 is for heated quarrels; 「渡り合う」 fits two parties going head-to-head in a sustained dispute or debate.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• アーギューargue
• 論じ合うろんじあうto debate
• 弁じるべんじるto speak
• もむto argue
• 論ずるろんずるto argue
• 争うあらそうto quarrel
• 渡り合うわたりあうto argue (with)
• 論じるろんじるto argue
• ばちばちto fight
• いがみ合ういがみあうto quarrel
• 戦わすたたかわすto debate
• ごたつくto have troubles
• かけるto argue (in court)