How to Say "competition" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “competition” is “competencia” — use this for general rivalry, a contest between people or groups, or the struggle for market share between businesses.
competencia
com-peh-TEN-see-ahkompeˈtensja
Examples
La competencia en el mercado de teléfonos es muy fuerte.
The competition in the phone market is very strong.
Ganamos el partido, pero la competencia fue dura.
We won the match, but the competition was tough.
Mi meta es reducir la competencia en mi área.
My goal is to reduce the competition in my area.
Gender Alert
Remember that 'competencia' is always feminine, so you must use 'la competencia' or 'una competencia'.
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.
competición
Examples
La competición de natación será mañana por la mañana.
The swimming competition will be tomorrow morning.
concurso
kon-KOOR-sohkoŋˈkuɾso
Examples
¿Viste el concurso de talentos anoche? ¡Fue increíble!
Did you see the talent contest last night? It was incredible!
Ganó el primer premio en el concurso de fotografía.
She won the first prize in the photography competition.
Mucha gente se presentó al concurso para el nuevo puesto de trabajo.
Many people applied for the competition for the new job position.
Always Masculine
Remember to always use the masculine article 'el' or 'un' before 'concurso,' even though it ends in '-o'.
Confusing 'Concurso' and 'Carrera'
Mistake: “Using 'carrera' for a talent show (e.g., 'carrera de talentos').”
Correction: 'Carrera' means 'race' or 'career.' Use 'concurso' for structured events where judges decide the winner.
torneo
tor-NEH-otoɾˈneo
Examples
Mi hermano ganó el torneo de ajedrez de la escuela.
My brother won the school's chess tournament.
Todos los equipos se preparan para el torneo de verano.
All the teams are preparing for the summer competition.
El club está organizando un gran torneo eliminatorio este mes.
The club is organizing a big knockout tournament this month.
Masculine Noun Rule
Even though it ends in '-o', 'torneo' is a masculine noun. Always use 'el' or 'un' before it: 'El torneo es mañana.'
Using the wrong preposition
Mistake: “Voy a competir a el torneo.”
Correction: Voy a competir en el torneo. (Use 'en'—meaning 'in' or 'at'—to talk about participating in an event.)
certamen
ther-TAH-menθerˈtamen
Examples
El certamen de fotografía empieza la próxima semana.
The photography contest starts next week.
Ella ganó el primer premio en el certamen literario de su ciudad.
She won first prize in her city's literary competition.
Muchos artistas internacionales asistieron al certamen de artes plásticas.
Many international artists attended the visual arts competition.
The Plural Accent Change
When you have more than one 'certamen', the word becomes 'certámenes'. Notice the written accent mark added to the second 'e'; this helps keep the emphasis on the correct syllable when the word gets longer.
Gender Identification
Since this word ends in a consonant (n), it doesn't follow the usual 'o' for boys and 'a' for girls rule. It is a masculine noun: use 'el certamen' or 'un certamen'.
Spelling the Plural
Mistake: “Los certamenes son divertidos.”
Correction: Los certámenes son divertidos. Remember to add the accent mark when making this word plural!
Event vs. Rivalry
Related Translations
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