競 (jìng) - To compete & to contend

競Tone 4

jìng ｜ 20 strokes ｜ radical:

傑君

競 · jìng

To compete;

to contend;

to vie;

to strive;

to contest.

To competeto contendto vie

Usage highlights

CompetitionTo competeA contestTo contend forA raceTo bid at auction

Synonyms

  • 争— To strive; to contend
  • 赛— To compete; to match
  • 斗— To struggle; to fight

Antonyms

  • 让— To yield; to concede
  • 和— Harmony; peace
  • 合— To cooperate; to unite

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • Athletes compete in the Olympic Games (奥林匹克运动会).
  • Companies compete for market share (市场份额).
  • Students strive for academic excellence (学业成绩).
  • The two teams are competing for the championship (冠军).

Collocations

  • Competition(竞争)
  • To compete(竞赛)
  • A contest(竞技)
  • To contend for(角逐)
  • A race(竞走)
  • To bid at auction(竞拍)

Idioms

  • A hundred schools of thought contend(百家争鸣)
  • Contending for beauty and fascination(竞相开放)
  • Vying to be the first, fearing to be last(争先恐后)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The character 競 depicts two figures standing side-by-side, originally representing the concept of rivalry or competition.
  • In traditional Chinese culture, healthy competition (竞争) was often seen as a driver of progress and excellence.
  • The concept is deeply embedded in both scholarly imperial examinations and martial contests throughout Chinese history.

FAQ