Inklingo

How to Say "competition" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “competition” is “competencia” — use 'competencia' when referring to general rivalry or a contest, especially in an economic or market context..

English → Spanish

competencia

com-peh-TEN-see-ah/kompeˈtensja/

nounA2general
Use 'competencia' when referring to general rivalry or a contest, especially in an economic or market context.
Two stylized rabbits running neck-and-neck in a close race across a green field, illustrating competition.

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

nounA2general
Use 'competición' for an organized sporting event or a structured contest where participants compete against each other.

Examples

La competición de natación será mañana por la mañana.

The swimming competition will be tomorrow morning.

concurso

kon-KOOR-soh/koŋˈkuɾso/

nounA2general
Use 'concurso' for events where participants strive to win a prize, often involving judging or a specific skill, like talent shows or beauty pageants.
A simplified illustration showing three figures on a winner's podium, with the central figure standing highest, holding a gold trophy.

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-o//toɾˈneo/

nounA2general
Use 'torneo' specifically for an organized series of matches or games, typically in sports or games like chess or tennis.
A shiny gold trophy sitting prominently on a three-tiered winner's podium on a green sports field, symbolizing the conclusion of a tournament.

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.)

Competencia vs. Competición

Learners often confuse 'competencia' and 'competición'. Remember that 'competición' is usually for a specific, organized event (like a race or match), while 'competencia' more broadly refers to rivalry, especially in business or general contests.

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