Understanding 競争 (きょうそう)
The word 競争 means "competition" or "contest" and is commonly used in contexts where individuals or groups strive to outperform each other. It can refer to business competition, sports contests, or any scenario involving rivalry.
Usage and Nuance
When using 競争, speakers often imply a sense of rivalry that can be either friendly or intense. It is a neutral term but can carry a slightly serious tone depending on context, such as in business or sports.
Common Collocations
- 競争に勝つ (きょうそうにかつ): to win a competition
- 競争が激しい (きょうそうがはげしい): competition is intense
- 競争相手 (きょうそうあいて): competitor, rival
These collocations are frequently used in both formal and informal situations.
Register and Politeness
競争 is a standard noun and can be used in both casual and formal speech. It is appropriate in business, academic, and everyday conversations.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 競争 with 試合 (しあい), which specifically means "match" or "game". Remember, 競争 emphasizes the rivalry or competition aspect, while 試合 refers to the event or game itself.