Translation guide
The English verb 'compete' covers a range of situations from formal contests to everyday rivalry. In Japanese, the best choice depends on what kind of competition it is and how direct the conflict is.
To participate in a competition such as a sports match, tournament, or formal contest.
General verb for competing, striving against others. Often used in compound verbs or with a target.
彼らは速さを競っている。
They are competing in speed.
More formal, specifically for athletic or sporting events.
彼はオリンピックで競技する。
He competes in the Olympics.
To participate in a competition, emphasizing entry or appearance rather than the act of competing.
彼女は全国大会に出場する。
She will compete in the national tournament.
To vie with others for something like a prize, position, or business advantage.
Implies a struggle or conflict over something. Can be used for disputes, fights, or intense competition.
彼らは市場シェアを争っている。
They are competing for market share.
Common for economic or business competition, or any race-like rivalry.
多くの企業が価格で競争している。
Many companies compete on price.
To compete with someone in a personal, often emotional way; can imply rivalry or trying to outdo each other.
To be comparable in quality or ability, often used in negative or comparative sentences.
To rival, be equal to. Often used for abilities, quality, or scale.
彼の才能はプロに匹敵する。
His talent competes with that of professionals.
Idiomatic: to stand shoulder to shoulder, meaning to be on par with.
彼女は一流の研究者と肩を並べる。
She competes with top researchers.
競う (kisou) is a general verb for competing, often in skills or speed. 争う (arasou) implies conflict or struggle over something, and can be used for disputes. 競争する (kyousou suru) is common for business, sports races, or any structured competition.
In many contexts, especially when talking about participating in an event, Japanese uses verbs like 出る (deru) or 参加する (sanka suru) instead of a direct 'compete' verb. For example, 'I'm competing in a marathon' is often マラソンに出ます (marason ni demasu).
He is always competing with his older brother.