衝突
A physical crash or collision between two moving objects like vehicles or particles. It is also commonly used metaphorically to describe a sharp disagreement or conflict between people's opinions, interests, or plans.
Examples
3 of 5昨日、近所の交差点で車が衝突しました。
Yesterday, cars collided at a nearby intersection.
小惑星が地球に衝突する可能性は極めて低いです。
The possibility of an asteroid colliding with Earth is extremely low.
旅行の行き先で友達と衝突しちゃった。
I ended up clashing with my friend over where to go for our trip.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Visualize two 'Totsus' (the second kanji 突 means 'stab' or 'dash') rushing at each other and hitting hard.
Quick Quiz
交差点で二台の車が（ ）した。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 衝突
Examples
昨日、近所の交差点で車が衝突しました。
everydayYesterday, cars collided at a nearby intersection.
小惑星が地球に衝突する可能性は極めて低いです。
formalThe possibility of an asteroid colliding with Earth is extremely low.
旅行の行き先で友達と衝突しちゃった。
informalI ended up clashing with my friend over where to go for our trip.
この実験では、二つの粒子の衝突によって生じるエネルギーを測定する。
academicIn this experiment, we measure the energy generated by the collision of two particles.
新プロジェクトの予算案をめぐって、二つの部署が衝突している。
businessTwo departments are in conflict over the budget proposal for the new project.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
意見が衝突する
opinions clash
正面衝突を免れる
to narrowly avoid a head-on collision
予定が衝突する
schedules clash
Often Confused With
'Butsukaru' is a general verb for hitting something; 'Shototsu' is a more formal noun/verb often used for serious accidents or abstract conflicts.
'Masatsu' (friction) usually implies a long-term, ongoing tension between parties, whereas 'Shototsu' is often a single, sharp event.
Usage Notes
When used physically, it implies a significant impact between two moving objects. When used for people, it implies a strong disagreement where neither side wants to back down.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'Shototsu' for minor physical bumps (like bumping into a person on the street), where 'Butsukaru' is much more natural.
Memory Tip
Visualize two 'Totsus' (the second kanji 突 means 'stab' or 'dash') rushing at each other and hitting hard.
Word Origin
Derived from 'Sho' (衝 - to collide/thoroughfare) and 'Totsu' (突 - to stab/protrude/sudden).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Japanese business culture, 'shototsu' is often avoided through 'nemawashi' (informal consensus building) to maintain harmony.
Quick Quiz
交差点で二台の車が（ ）した。
Correct!
The correct answer is: 衝突
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
協力
A1Cooperation or collaboration where two or more people combine their efforts to achieve a common goal. It is used in both personal and professional settings to describe working together as a team or providing assistance.
提案
A1A suggestion or proposal of a plan or idea for others to consider. It is used in both casual conversations and professional meetings to introduce a potential course of action.
輸出
A1The act of sending goods or services produced in one country to another country for sale or trade. In Japanese, it functions as a noun and a suru-verb, representing the 'exit' of products from a domestic market.
輸入
A1The act of bringing goods, services, or materials into a country from abroad for sale or use. In Japanese, it functions as a noun or can be combined with 'suru' to become a verb meaning 'to import'.
資源
A1Shigen refers to valuable materials or assets, such as natural minerals, energy sources, or human talent, that can be used for production or survival. It is widely used in economics, environmental science, and daily life to describe both raw materials and abstract wealth.
保護
A1The act of keeping someone or something safe from harm, damage, or loss by providing care or creating boundaries. It is a versatile term in Japanese used for social welfare, environmental conservation, and digital security.
観察
A1Observation is the act of watching someone or something carefully in order to gain information or understand a process. It is frequently used in scientific studies, nature analysis, and describing the act of paying close attention to details.
競争
A1Kyousou refers to the act of competing or vying with others to achieve a goal, win a prize, or establish superiority. It is a versatile term used in sports, business, and academics to describe both structured contests and general rivalry.
拡大
A1The act of making something larger in size, scale, or scope. It is frequently used for physical enlargement (like a photo) or abstract growth (like a business or a problem).
製造
A1The process of making or producing goods, typically on a large scale using machinery. It refers specifically to industrial manufacturing rather than making things by hand on a small scale.
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