Meaning
inner conflict; mental struggle; dilemma; turmoil
Nuance & Usage
葛藤 (kattou) refers to the psychological tension arising from competing desires, values, or obligations — a profound inner conflict. The kanji 葛 (kudzu vine) and 藤 (wisteria vine) both represent plants that tangle and entwine, vividly capturing the feeling of being twisted inside. 葛藤を抱える (to carry inner conflict) and 葛藤の末に (after much internal struggle) are natural expressions. Unlike 迷い (mayoi — indecision), 葛藤 implies a deeper, more emotionally charged conflict between two opposing forces within oneself.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 葛藤 with 悩み (nayami — worry, trouble) and 迷い (mayoi — indecision). 悩み is broader and everyday; 迷い is surface-level uncertainty; 葛藤 is a deeper, more dramatic psychological conflict — the clash of two powerful inner forces. 内なる葛藤 (inner conflict) and 葛藤する (to struggle internally) are also used. Don't confuse 葛藤 with 矛盾 (mujun — logical contradiction) — 葛藤 is emotional, 矛盾 is logical.
Example Sentences
進路について葛藤が続いているが、まだ答えが出ない。
しんろについてかっとうがつづいているが、まだこたえがでない。
I continue to struggle internally about my future path, but I still don't have an answer.
二つの選択肢の間で葛藤しながら、やっと決断を下した。
ふたつのせんたくしのあいだでかっとうしながら、やっとけつだんをくだした。
After struggling between two choices, I finally made my decision.
彼の作品には、人間の内なる葛藤が鮮明に描かれている。
かれのさくひんには、にんげんのうちなるかっとうがせんめいにえがかれている。
His works vividly depict the inner conflicts of human beings.
Quick Quiz
N14 questionsTest your knowledge of 葛藤 with 4 different question types.
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