競争
企業間の激しい競争が技術革新を促す。
Fierce competition between companies drives technological innovation.
The activity or condition of competing against others to achieve a goal, especially in business, sports, or academic contexts.
市場の競争が激化している。
Market competition is intensifying.
彼らは競争を通じて成長した。
They grew through competition.
Often used with する to form the verb 競争する (to compete).
A contest or rivalry between two or more parties striving for the same objective.
選挙は激しい競争だった。
The election was a fierce competition.
Can refer to both the process and the event itself.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish from 競争 (noun) and 競争する (verb)
競争 can function as both a noun ('competition') and a suru-verb ('to compete'). For example: 彼らは競争した (They competed) vs. 彼らは競争があった (They had a competition).
Gold Rule
Use 競争 for systematic rivalry, 試合 for formal contests
Use 競争 for ongoing or systemic competition (e.g., market competition), while 試合 (shiai) refers to a formal match or game. Example: 会社間の競争 (competition between companies) vs. サッカーの試合 (a soccer match).
Word Origin
From Middle Chinese 競爭 (MC *ɡiɛŋ tsɨŋ, 'to contend + to strive'). The compound entered Japanese via Classical Chinese, where it originally referred to military or political rivalry. The modern sense of economic or social competition developed in the Meiji era (late 19th century) as Japan modernized.
Usage Notes
競争 emphasizes the process of rivalry rather than the outcome. It is neutral in tone but often carries a positive connotation of driving improvement. In business contexts, it is frequently paired with terms like 市場 (market) or 企業 (company). The verb form 競争する is transitive and often followed by を (e.g., 競争を勝ち抜く, 'to win through competition').