Inklingo
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competencia

/com-peh-TEN-see-ah/

competition

Two stylized rabbits running neck-and-neck in a close race across a green field, illustrating competition.

The concept of 'competencia' (competition) is shown through this close rivalry between the two racers.

competencia(noun)

fA2

competition

?

rivalry or contest

Also:

rivalry

?

a state of being rivals

,

contest

?

the event itself

📝 In Action

La competencia en el mercado de teléfonos es muy fuerte.

B1

The competition in the phone market is very strong.

Ganamos el partido, pero la competencia fue dura.

A2

We won the match, but the competition was tough.

Mi meta es reducir la competencia en mi área.

B1

My goal is to reduce the competition in my area.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • rivalidad (rivalry)
  • contienda (contest)

Antonyms

  • cooperación (cooperation)

Common Collocations

  • hacer la competencia – to compete with (or rival)
  • feroz competencia – fierce competition

💡 Grammar Points

Gender Alert

Remember that 'competencia' is always feminine, so you must use 'la competencia' or 'una competencia'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

False Friend Alert

Mistake: "Using 'competición' when you mean the general concept of rivalry."

Correction: 'Competición' exists, but 'competencia' is the more common and general word for rivalry or business competition.

⭐ Usage Tips

Context Tip

If you are talking about a specific event (like a football match or a tournament), you can also use 'competición', but 'competencia' works for both the general state of rivalry and the event.

A stylized cartoon bear standing confidently while expertly juggling three red apples, representing competence or ability.

This image of skillful juggling represents 'competencia' (competence) or the ability to perform a task well.

competencia(noun)

fB1

competence

?

skill or ability

,

ability

?

general skill level

Also:

skill

?

a specific talent

,

jurisdiction

?

legal or administrative authority (formal)

📝 In Action

Ella demostró una gran competencia lingüística en la entrevista.

B2

She demonstrated great linguistic competence (or skill) in the interview.

Ese tribunal no tiene competencia para juzgar este caso.

C1

That court does not have jurisdiction (or authority) to judge this case.

Mi competencia principal es la gestión de proyectos.

B1

My main competence (or skill) is project management.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • incompetencia (incompetence)

Common Collocations

  • adquirir competencia – to acquire skill
  • ámbito de competencia – area of jurisdiction

💡 Grammar Points

Using with Prepositions

Often paired with 'en' (in/at) when describing the area of skill: 'competencia en matemáticas' (competence in math).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Mixing Meanings

Mistake: "Saying 'Tengo mucha competencia' when you mean 'I have great skill'."

Correction: This sounds like 'I have a lot of rivals.' Use 'Tengo mucha habilidad' or 'Tengo mucha capacidad' instead to avoid confusion.

⭐ Usage Tips

Formal Contexts

When used in government or legal papers, 'competencia' almost always means 'jurisdiction' or 'authority'—who has the power to decide.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: competencia

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'competencia' to mean 'skill' or 'ability'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

competente(competent, skilled) - adjective
competir(to compete) - verb
incompetencia(incompetence) - noun

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).