Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 討論 | tōron | [to̞ːɾõ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| 議論 | giron | [ɡʲiɾõ̞ɴ] (narrow) |
| ディベート | dibēto | [dʲibe̞ːto̞] (narrow) |
The terms used for debate vary depending on whether you are describing a general discussion, a structured academic activity or a formal proceeding. 議論 refers to a general discussion or argument involving multiple viewpoints, and it can range from a simple discussion to a heated argument. 討論 refers to a more structured, formal or academic discussion. You may also see the phrase 議論を交わす used to express the act of engaging in a debate or exchanging arguments.
Which one should you use?
議論 is a broad term that can mean a simple discussion, an argument or a debate. In contrast, 討論 specifically implies a more structured or formal setting. Finally, ディベート is a loanword used specifically to refer to the formal competitive activity of debating, such as those found in schools or tournaments.
How do you pronounce it?
tōron
Did you know?
- Japanese has a specific term, 論破 (ronpa), which means to 'completely defeat' an opponent in a debate. This term has become a popular internet meme describing the act of shutting someone down with logic.
- The word 討論 is composed of two kanji, 討 meaning to attack or suppress and 論 meaning to argue or logic. This gives the word a slightly more aggressive nuance of 'attacking a topic' than the English 'debate'.
- In Japanese media, the term 論戦 (ronsen) is often used to describe a 'war of words' or a high-stakes political debate, combining 'argument' with the kanji for 'battle'.
Examples in context
- 議論は継続中だ。The debate is continuing.This sentence shows the ongoing nature of a 議論.Tatoeba #9852802 by KK_kaku_, translation #4496901 by CK
- 彼はその討論に参加した。He participated in the debate.This sentence describes participating in a 討論.Tatoeba #112484 by bunbuku, translation #291193 by CK
- 私たちはとても活発な討論をした。We had a very vigorous debate.This sentence describes the intensity of a 討論.Tatoeba #166274 by bunbuku, translation #248230 by CM
- 彼らはアイデアについて議論していますThey are debating about the idea.
- 友達とディベートをするのが好きですI enjoy debating with my friends.
- 彼らは真剣な討論を行いました。They had a serious debate.
- ディベートの準備が整った。The preparation for the debate is complete.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two university students are discussing a campus event.
- 大翔 Hiroto明日の討論のテーマは何ですか？Ashita no tōron no tēma wa nan desu ka?What is the theme of tomorrow's debate?
- 陽葵 Himari環境問題についての討論ですよ。Kankyō mondai ni tsuite no tōron desu yo.It is a debate about environmental issues.
- 大翔 Hiroto陽葵さんは準備できましたか？Himari-san wa junbi dekimashita ka?Are you prepared, Himari?
- 陽葵 Himariはい、準備は大丈夫です。Hai, junbi wa daijōbu desu.Yes, I am ready.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “debate” translations and entries 討論, 議論, ディベート, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
