Translation guide
To compete or contend for something, often with a sense of rivalry or striving.
Expressing that people or groups are competing to win or achieve something.
General verb meaning to compete or contend, often for a prize, position, or honor.
They are vying for the championship.
To compete or struggle for something, often with a stronger sense of conflict or dispute.
The candidates are vying for the seat.
Idiomatic phrase meaning to compete fiercely, literally 'to sharpen one's swords'.
Companies are vying fiercely for market share.
To compete closely, often in a back-and-forth manner, like in an auction or race.
The two cars are vying for the lead.
Expressing that people are trying hard to outdo each other in some quality or activity.
Expressing that people are trying to get someone's attention or approval.
競う (kisou) is often used for friendly or sports-like competition, while 争う (arasou) can imply a more serious conflict or struggle. For 'vie' in the sense of striving for a prize, 競う is usually more appropriate.
This phrase is very common in news and business contexts to describe intense competition. It can be written with kanji (鎬を削る) or kana (しのぎを削る).
The students are vying for better grades.
At court, the nobles vied for the king's favor.