Japanese word

もめる

Pronunciation

Romajimomeru

Meaning

  • verbargue

Example

その問題で二人がもめています。so no mon dai de futa ri ga mo me te i ma su

The two people are arguing about that issue.

Illustration for もめる (argue)

More examples

会議で予算の使い方についてもめました。kai gi de yo san no tsuka i kata ni tsu i te mo me ma shi ta

We argued about how to use the budget at the meeting.

Core concept

Presents disagreement as friction between people that keeps an issue from being settled.

Common phrases

  • 誰が担当するかでもめるdare ga tan tō su ru ka de mo me ru

    argue over who will be in charge

  • 家族でもめるka zoku de mo me ru

    argue among family members

Similar words

争うarasou: To engage in a dispute over an issue, claim, or decision.
言い争うiiarasou: To argue back and forth with someone about an issue.
対立するtairitsusuru: To hold opposing positions on an issue or decision.

Definition in Japanese

人と人の間で意見や利害が対立し、争いが起こる。hito to hito no aida de i ken ya ri gai ga tai ritsu shi araso i ga o ko ru

Word origin

もめる (momeru) is a native Japanese verb, and 揉める (momeru) is its established kanji spelling; no certain earlier source or word formation is known.

Usage tips

  • The verb commonly applies to disputes over decisions, money, or responsibilities, so it describes trouble that develops around an issue rather than simple conversation.

Other meanings

  • disagreeverb
  • fightverb

Opposites

  • 合意するgōisuruagreeverb

Related words

  • もめ事momegotodisputenoun

Word lists with this word