How to say "debate" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 討論とうろんnoun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers debate as an open exchange of opinions, with participants arguing from different positions; the kind of discussion seen in panel programs, public forums, and meetings.
- 論争ろんそうnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbFor debate in the sense of a controversy or dispute: a prolonged, often heated disagreement between opposing sides over an issue, not an organized discussion event.
- nounThe loanword for the formal debate format itself, with set sides arguing for and against; the natural choice for school and competitive debate and structured debate sessions.
- 討議とうぎnoun, suru verb, transitive verbDebate as deliberation: exchanging views on a matter at a meeting, committee, or conference, usually with a decision in view rather than as open confrontation.
- 論議ろんぎnoun, suru verb, transitive verbDebate over an issue as an ongoing back-and-forth, often seen in news reports and formal writing; think 'the debate over the new policy' rather than a single scheduled event.
Use 討論 for an open exchange of views, 討議 for deliberation at meetings, 「ディベート」 for the formal pro-and-con format, 論争 for a controversy or dispute, and 論議 for debate over an issue in news or formal writing.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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