noun / verb HSK 5
Traditional 爭議
zhēng
controversy · dispute · to dispute · to debate

Meaning

争议 refers to disagreement, controversy, or a matter under debate where different parties hold opposing views. It can describe both the act of disputing and the contentious issue itself. The word implies a situation where opinions differ significantly and resolution may be difficult.

Usage

争议 is commonly used in formal contexts, news media, and academic discussions to describe controversial topics or disputed matters. It often appears in phrases like '引起争议' (to cause controversy) or '存在争议' (there is controversy). Native speakers use it when discussing sensitive topics, legal disputes, or any situation where strong disagreement exists.

Examples

  1. 01
    这个决定引起了很大的争议
    Zhège juédìng yǐnqǐle hěn de zhēngyì.
    This decision caused a lot of controversy.
  2. 02
    关于这个政策仍然存在争议
    Guānyú zhège zhèngcè réngrán cúnzài zhēngyì.
    There is still controversy regarding this policy.

Characters

Measure words

  • 一个争议
  • chǎng一场争议

Common collocations

  • 引起争议
    yǐn zhēng
    to cause controversy
  • 存在争议
    cún zài zhēng
    there is controversy
  • 争议
    yǒu zhēng de
    controversial
  • 争议问题
    zhēng wèn
    controversial issue

Antonyms

Origin

The word combines 争 (to争 contend/argue) and 议 (discussion/opinion), literally meaning 'contentious discussion' or 'argued matter,' which naturally evolved to mean dispute or controversy.

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