竞争

• Pinyin: jìng zhēng
• Hanzi breakdown: 竞 = 立 (stand) + 兄 × 2, depicting competition; 争 = 爪 (claw) + 彐, originally showing hands fighting over something

Meaning

To compete; competition. Refers to rivalry or the act of competing for advantage.

Broader than 竞赛, used for ongoing competition in business, markets, relationships, or any situation involving rivalry. Often implies a struggle for resources, positions, or success rather than a single organized event.

Examples

1. 现在就业市场竞争非常激烈，找工作不容易。 The job market is very competitive now, and finding work is not easy.
2. 这两家公司在智能手机市场上竞争了十多年。 These two companies have been competing in the smartphone market for over ten years.
3. 良性竞争可以促进行业的发展和创新。 Healthy competition can promote industry development and innovation.

Usage Guide

Context: business, workplace, academic, everyday

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 我们要提高竞争力才能生存下去。(We must increase our competitiveness to survive.)
• 他们是竞争对手，也是好朋友。(They are competitors and also good friends.)

Don't Say

• 明天的跑步竞争你参加吗？(For a specific race event, use 比赛 — 竞争 refers to ongoing rivalry, not single events)

Origin & History

竞 (jìng, compete) + 争 (zhēng, fight/contend). The combination emphasizes striving and contending for something.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal