How to say "discussion" in Japanese

• 相談そうだんJLPT N4approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbCovers 'discussion' as talking something over with someone whose advice or input you want; you consult a teacher, doctor, or colleague about a problem rather than debate a point.
  彼女かのじょは弁護士べんごしと相談そうだんした。↗

  She conferred with her lawyer.
• 議論ぎろんJLPT N3approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbThis is 'discussion' as debate: people exchange arguments over a topic, often disagreeing; it also covers disputes and controversies, so it suits reasoned or heated argument rather than a friendly exchange of views.
  その議論ぎろんは穴あなだらけだ。↗

  The argument is full of holes.
• 協議きょうぎJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verbDiscussion between parties working toward a decision or settlement, as in negotiations or conferences; it fits talks between organizations, companies, or governments rather than casual conversation.
  私わたしたちはその問題もんだいを彼かれらと協議きょうぎした。↗

  We consulted them about the problem.
• 話し合いはなしあいJLPT N2approx.Common
  noun, suru verbDiscussion as a mutual exchange of views: people talk something over together, usually to sort out a problem or reach a shared decision, as in a family or class discussion.
  英語えいごの授業じゅぎょうでは、時々輪じじわになって座すわり、読よんでいる本ほんについて話し合はなしあいをすることもあります。↗

  In English class, sometimes we sit in a circle to talk about a book we are reading.
• ディスカッションCommon
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verb, transitive verbThe loanword, matching the English word directly; it is used for discussion as an activity or session, such as the discussion part of a seminar, class, or meeting.

Use 相談 for consulting someone for advice, 議論 for debate or argument, 協議 for talks between parties such as negotiations, 「話し合い」 for a mutual exchange of views, and 「ディスカッション」 for discussion sessions in classes or meetings.

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

• 相談そうだんconsultation
• 議論ぎろんargument
• 協議きょうぎconference
• 話し合いはなしあいdiscussion
• ディスカッションdiscussion
• 審議しんぎdeliberation
• 討論とうろんdebate
• 言論げんろん(one's) speech
• 評議ひょうぎconference
• 論議ろんぎdiscussion
• 弁論べんろんdiscussion
• 談論だんろんdiscussion
• 討議とうぎdebate
• 合議ごうぎconsultation
• 論考ろんこうstudy (of)
• 検討けんとうconsideration
• 対話たいわdialogue
• 論ろんargument
• 詮議せんぎdiscussion
• 法案審議ほうあんしんぎdiscussion
• 談語だんごdiscussion
• 議ぎdiscussion
• 座談ざだんconversation
• 付議ふぎbringing up a matter
• アーギュメントargument
• 商量しょうりょうconsideration
• 論いあげつらいarguing
• 談義だんぎ(informal) discussion
• 談合だんごうconsultation
• お話おはなしtalk