competencia
“competencia” means “competition” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
competition
Also: rivalry, contest
📝 In Action
La competencia en el mercado de teléfonos es muy fuerte.
B1The competition in the phone market is very strong.
Ganamos el partido, pero la competencia fue dura.
A2We won the match, but the competition was tough.
Mi meta es reducir la competencia en mi área.
B1My goal is to reduce the competition in my area.
competence, ability
Also: skill, jurisdiction
📝 In Action
Ella demostró una gran competencia lingüística en la entrevista.
B2She demonstrated great linguistic competence (or skill) in the interview.
Ese tribunal no tiene competencia para juzgar este caso.
C1That court does not have jurisdiction (or authority) to judge this case.
Mi competencia principal es la gestión de proyectos.
B1My main competence (or skill) is project management.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "competencia" in Spanish:
ability→competence→competition→contest→jurisdiction→rivalry→skill→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: competencia
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'competencia' to mean 'skill' or 'ability'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes from the Latin 'competentia,' which originally meant 'agreement' or 'suitability.' Over time, it evolved into two separate ideas: the ability to do something well (suitability) and the rivalry between people striving for the same goal (agreement on a goal).
First recorded: 15th century (in Spanish)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre 'competencia' y 'competición'?
'Competencia' is the general, abstract concept of rivalry or skill. 'Competición' usually refers specifically to a formal event or contest, like 'the Olympic competition.' However, 'competencia' is often used to mean both, especially in Latin America.
¿Cómo puedo recordar el género de 'competencia'?
Since 'competencia' ends in -cia, it follows the common pattern for feminine nouns in Spanish. You should always use the feminine article: 'LA competencia' (The competition/skill).