Inklingo

How to Say "contest" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “contest” is “competencia” — use this word to refer to the general idea of competition or rivalry, often in a broader, ongoing sense like in business or sports..

English → Spanish

competencia

com-peh-TEN-see-ah/kompeˈtensja/

nounA2general
Use this word to refer to the general idea of competition or rivalry, often in a broader, ongoing sense like in business or sports.
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.

concurso

kon-KOOR-soh/koŋˈkuɾso/

nounA2general
Choose this word for a specific event where participants compete for a prize or to be declared a winner, such as a talent show or a beauty pageant.
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.

competición

nounA2general
This term refers to a specific, organized sporting event or match where people compete against each other.

Examples

La competición de natación será mañana por la mañana.

The swimming competition will be tomorrow morning.

duelo

DWEH-loh/ˈdwelo/

nounB2formal
Use this word for a serious, often one-on-one confrontation or competition, historically associated with formal combat.
Two stylized figures in simple historical attire facing each other in an outdoor clearing, holding thin swords crossed in front of them, engaging in a formal duel.

Examples

En el siglo XIX, los duelos con pistolas eran comunes entre caballeros.

In the 19th century, duels with pistols were common among gentlemen.

El partido de ajedrez fue un duelo de titanes.

The chess match was a contest (duel) between titans.

Se retaron a un duelo para resolver la disputa.

They challenged each other to a duel to resolve the dispute.

Figurative Use

This meaning is often used figuratively to describe any intense, high-stakes competition, like a sports match or a negotiation.

Competition vs. Contest Event

Learners often confuse 'competencia' and 'competición'. Remember that 'competencia' is the broader concept of rivalry, while 'competición' usually refers to a specific sporting event. 'Concurso' is distinct as it implies a competition for a prize or title.

Related Translations

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