How to Say "contest" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “contest” is “concurso” — use 'concurso' when referring to a competition where judges select one or more winners, often in talent shows, beauty pageants, or prize draws.
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.
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.
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!
contienda
con-tee-EN-dahkonˈtjenda
Examples
La contienda electoral terminó con un resultado muy ajustado.
The election contest ended with a very close result.
Muchos soldados perdieron la vida en aquella sangrienta contienda.
Many soldiers lost their lives in that bloody conflict.
Es importante mantener el respeto durante la contienda deportiva.
It is important to maintain respect during the sports competition.
Always Feminine
Even though it doesn't refer to a female person, this word is always feminine. You must use feminine adjectives with it: 'la contienda larga' (the long struggle).
Plural Form
To talk about more than one conflict, simply add an 's': 'las contiendas'.
Don't use for small arguments
Mistake: “Tuve una contienda con mi hermano por el control remoto.”
Correction: Tuve una pelea/discusión con mi hermano por el control remoto. (Use 'contienda' for bigger, more formal things like wars or elections, not small household arguments).
duelo
DWEH-lohˈdwelo
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.
liza
LEE-sahˈliθa
Examples
Dos nuevos candidatos han decidido entrar en la liza electoral.
Two new candidates have decided to enter the electoral fray.
En los libros de historia, los caballeros luchaban con honor en la liza.
In history books, knights fought with honor in the lists.
El equipo local bajó a la liza con la intención de ganar el campeonato.
The local team entered the arena with the intention of winning the championship.
Always Feminine
Even though it refers to battles and competitions, which might feel 'masculine' to some, the word is always 'la liza'.
Abstract Use
While it originally meant a physical fence for a tournament, today we use it almost exclusively to mean abstract things like politics or sports.
Don't confuse with 'lisa'
Mistake: “Using 'liza' to mean 'smooth'.”
Correction: Use 'lisa' (with an S) for smooth, and 'liza' (with a Z) for a competition. They sound very similar in Latin America!
Confusing 'competencia' and 'competición'
Related Translations
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