Meaning
to discuss; to argue; to debate; to expound on; to theorize
Nuance & Usage
論じる means to systematically discuss, argue, or expound upon a topic — going beyond simple opinion-sharing to structured reasoning. 問題を論じる (to discuss a problem), 賛否を論じる (to debate pros and cons), 〜について論じた論文 (a paper that discusses ~) are natural uses. Unlike 話し合う (hanashiau — to discuss together, casual and collaborative) and 議論する (giron suru — to debate, more confrontational), 論じる often implies a one-person exposition or formal argumentation. 論を展開する (to develop an argument) is a synonym in academic writing.
Common Mistakes
Learners confuse 論じる with 議論する (giron suru — to debate/argue, two sides), 話し合う (hanashiau — to discuss together, casual), and 述べる (noberu — to state/mention, more neutral). 論じる implies systematic, structured argumentation — often by one person developing a position. 〜を論じることは容易ではない (It is not easy to discuss ~) and 〜に論及する (to touch on ~ in an argument) are academic patterns. Don't confuse 論じる (ronjiru) with 論ずる (ronzuru — same meaning, older/more formal conjugation pattern).
Example Sentences
この論文では、言語と文化の関係について詳細に論じる。
このろんぶんでは、げんごとぶんかのかんけいについてしょうさいにろんじる。
This paper discusses in detail the relationship between language and culture.
その問題を論じる前に、まず概念の定義を明確にする必要がある。
そのもんだいをろんじるまえに、まずがいねんのていぎをめいかくにするひつようがある。
Before discussing the problem, it is necessary to first clarify the definition of the concept.
各分野の専門家が一堂に会し、今後の政策の在り方について論じた。
かくぶんやのせんもんかがいちどうにかい、こんごのせいさくのありかたについてろんじた。
Experts from various fields gathered together and discussed how future policies should be shaped.
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N14 questionsTest your knowledge of 論じる with 4 different question types.
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