emulate, compete with, bid, sell at auction, bout, contest, race
競 centers on direct rivalry: two sides striving against each other to win or outdo. This covers emulating, competing, bidding at auction, and racing—all situations where one tries to surpass another.
競 is formed by doubling 竞, which itself combines 立 (stand) and 兄 (elder brother), suggesting two people standing side by side in rivalry. The historical development is consistent with this competitive imagery.
Two identical figures (竞) stand facing each other, each trying to outdo the other. Picture two runners at a starting line, poised to race.
For キョウ, imagine the two competitors in a fierce contest shouting 'Kyo!' as they charge forward. The sharp sound 'Kyo' cues キョウ while capturing the competitive energy.
game; match; contest; competition; sport; (sporting) event
competition; contest; rivalry; race
horse racing
contention; competition; rivalry; quarrel
to compete; to contend; to vie; to contest
race; run; dash; sprint
competitive swimming; swimming race
auction
keirin; cycle racing event, usu. 2 km with a paced start and sprint finish
kyōtei; boat race; hydroplane racing event and gambling sport in Japan
contest (between performers); competitive performance
racewalking; race walking; walking race
competition
to struggle for; to compete with; to vie with
to compete
competitive bidding (esp. for government contracts)
competitiveness; competitive edge; competitive power
competing companies; rival companies
stadium; (sports) ground; (playing) field; arena
racehorse
racecourse; race track
track and field; athletics