competir
kom-peh-TEER
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Todos los equipos compiten por el trofeo.
A2All the teams compete for the trophy.
Las empresas deben competir con precios justos.
B1Companies must compete with fair prices.
No compito con mi hermana; ella es mucho mejor.
B1I don't compete with my sister; she is much better.
Es difícil competir contra gigantes tecnológicos.
B2It is difficult to compete against technological giants.
💡 Grammar Points
The E-to-I Change
In many forms, the 'e' in the middle of 'competir' changes to an 'i' (e.g., compito, compites). This change is common in -ir verbs where the vowel 'e' is stressed.
Using the Right Preposition
To specify what you are competing for, use por ('competir por el premio'). To specify who you are competing against, use contra ('competir contra el campeón').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: "Yo *competo* (Incorrect use of the present tense)"
Correction: Yo *compito*. Remember the 'e' changes to 'i' when the stress falls on it.
⭐ Usage Tips
Pronunciation Tip
The stress falls on the last syllable (-tir) in the infinitive form, but shifts in the present tense to the 'i' (com-PI-to).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: competir
Question 1 of 2
Which form of 'competir' is correct for 'They competed in the marathon' (Preterite tense)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'competir' a regular verb?
No, it is an irregular verb. The 'e' in the middle changes to an 'i' in many forms, especially in the present tense (compito, compites, compite) and the simple past (compitió, compitieron).
What is the difference between 'competir' and 'luchar'?
Both mean 'to strive,' but 'competir' specifically means striving against others for a prize or goal (like in a sport). 'Luchar' often implies a more general struggle or fight (like 'luchar por la paz' – to fight for peace).