議論をする

To use this phrase, you usually need a topic. You attach the topic using について (about). For example, 将来について議論をする means 'to have a discussion about the future.' You can use it as a noun phrase too. Just say 議論が必要だ (a discussion is necessary). It works perfectly in professional and academic settings. If you want to sound smart at a meeting, this is your go-to phrase. Just don't use it for deciding what to watch on Netflix!

Use this in a business meeting when reviewing a strategy. Use it at school when debating a historical event. It is great for serious conversations with friends about politics or philosophy. If you are writing an essay, this phrase adds a nice level of sophistication. It shows you are looking at multiple sides of an issue. Use it when you want to sound objective and logical. It is the 'grown-up' version of talking.

Avoid this phrase for light, social interactions. If you tell a friend, 'Let's have a 議論 about where to eat,' they might think you're being weirdly formal. For casual plans, use 話し合う (talk together) or 相談する (consult/decide). Also, do not confuse it with 喧嘩する (to fight). 議論 is meant to be constructive, not an emotional explosion. If you are just gossiping about a celebrity, this word is way too heavy. Keep it for the big stuff.

In Japan, harmony or 和 (wa) is traditionally very important. Because of this, direct 議論 can sometimes feel a bit confrontational to older generations. People often prefer 話し合い (mutual talk) to avoid clashing. However, in modern business and among younger people, 議論 is seen as essential for innovation. There is even a concept called 根回し (nemawashi), which is the informal discussion held before the official discussion to ensure everyone is on the same page. It is like a pre-discussion for the discussion!

If you want to sound more formal, you can use 議論を交わす (to exchange discussions). If the discussion gets heated, you might say 議論が白熱する (the discussion is getting heated). For a more casual 'let's talk it over,' you would use 話し合う. If you are specifically debating in a competition, you use 討論する. Each one shifts the 'temperature' of the conversation slightly.