Meaning

Primary

To Fight

Alternative

To Struggle

Word Type

intransitive verb, godan verb

Explanation

Because the hiragana ends with an sound, you know this word is a verb. The kanji itself means fight so the verb version is to fight or to struggle.

When you use 闘う instead of 戦う, it often means fighting with strong will or emotion — like battling illness, hardship, or standing up for a cause. It can be used for physical battles too, but it usually implies there's struggle and fighting spirit behind it.

Reading

たたかう
  • Kyoko
    (Tokyo accent, female)
  • Kenichi
    (Tokyo accent, male)

Explanation

Your neighborhood is fighting a struggle against car theft. Sadly, your car was stolen. So, you say: "ta-ta, car (たたか). Ta-ta."

Context

Context Sentences

この子たちは、みんな病気と闘っているんです。

These kids are all fighting against their diseases.

Kanji Composition