Skip to content
Japanese Versatility List

Fights and friction

Core words, Stage 2chunk 26 of 80Verbs: trouble and conflict

Lets you talk about fights, rows, bullying and not wanting to do something.

Mix-ups kenka suru is any fight or argument; momeru is a drawn-out dispute.

kenka suru

polite kenka shimasu

fight; argue

Covers both arguments and physical fights, between friends, couples or kids.

Usually X to kenka suru (fight with X). kenka o uru: pick a fight.

casual

kinou kare to kenka shita n da.

I had a fight with my boyfriend yesterday.

昨日彼とケンカしたんだ。

polite

kinou kare to kenka shita n desu.

I had a fight with my boyfriend yesterday.

昨日彼とケンカしたんです。

Written ケンカする · けんかする · ケンカしますRank #1177 in 3,030 TV dramas

momeru

polite momemasu

argue; have a row; be in dispute

A drawn-out dispute inside a group, often over money, plans or who decides.

Noun: momegoto (trouble, a dispute).

casual

okane no koto de oya to mometeru n da.

I'm having a row with my parents about money.

お金のことで親ともめてるんだ。

polite

okane no koto de oya to momete iru n desu.

I'm in a dispute with my parents about money.

お金のことで親ともめているんです。

Written もめる · もめますRank #2374 in 3,030 TV dramas

ijimeru

polite ijimemasu

bully; pick on

Picking on someone weaker; between friends it can be playful teasing.

Noun: ijime (bullying), a big social issue in Japan.

casual

anmari ijimenaide yo.

Stop picking on me so much.

あんまりいじめないでよ。

polite

amari ijimenaide kudasai yo.

Please don't pick on me so much.

あまりいじめないでくださいよ。

Written いじめる · いじめますRank #2140 in 3,030 TV dramas

teikou

reluctance; resistance

Mostly teikou ga aru: you feel uneasy about doing something.

teikou suru: resist, fight back.

casual

hitomae de hanasu no wa chotto teikou aru na.

I'm not too keen on speaking in front of people.

人前で話すのはちょっと抵抗あるな。

polite

hitomae de hanasu no wa chotto teikou ga arimasu.

I'm a little uneasy about speaking in front of people.

人前で話すのはちょっと抵抗があります。

Written 抵抗 · ていこうRank #2861 in 3,030 TV dramas