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How to Say "rivalry" in Spanish

English → Spanish

competencia

com-peh-TEN-see-ah/kompeˈtensja/

nounA2general
Use 'competencia' when referring to the general state of rivalry or competition, especially in a business or market context, emphasizing the existence of rivals.
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

nounB1general
Use 'competición' when the focus is on the act or state of competing, often in sports or formal contests, highlighting the process of striving against others.

Examples

La fuerte competición obliga a las empresas a mejorar sus productos.

Strong competition forces companies to improve their products.

Competencia vs. Competición

Learners often confuse 'competencia' and 'competición' because both relate to rivalry. Remember that 'competencia' is more common for general market or business rivalry (the state of having rivals), while 'competición' leans towards the act of competing, particularly in sports or formal events.

Related Translations

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