Inklingo

How to Say "to compete" in Spanish

English → Spanish

competir

/kom-peh-TEER//kompeˈtir/

verbA2general
Use 'competir' when referring to a formal contest or a situation where multiple parties are striving to achieve the same goal or win a prize.
Two simplified, colorful storybook characters running side-by-side on a track, approaching a finish line banner in a close race.

Examples

Los atletas compiten por la medalla de oro.

The athletes compete for the gold medal.

Todos los equipos compiten por el trofeo.

All the teams compete for the trophy.

Las empresas deben competir con precios justos.

Companies must compete with fair prices.

No compito con mi hermana; ella es mucho mejor.

I don't compete with my sister; she is much better.

The E-to-I Change

In many forms, the 'e' in the middle of 'competir' changes to an 'i' (e.g., compito, compites). This change is common in -ir verbs where the vowel 'e' is stressed.

Using the Right Preposition

To specify what you are competing for, use por ('competir por el premio'). To specify who you are competing against, use contra ('competir contra el campeón').

Forgetting the Stem Change

Mistake: “Yo *competo* (Incorrect use of the present tense)”

Correction: Yo *compito*. Remember the 'e' changes to 'i' when the stress falls on it.

pelear

peh-leh-AHR/pe.leˈaɾ/

verbB1general
Use 'pelear' when the 'competition' implies a strong effort, a struggle, or a fight to obtain or defend something, often with a sense of overcoming opposition.
A single stylized figure pulling a very heavy, thick rope with great effort, straining intensely, illustrating a struggle towards a goal.

Examples

Tenemos que pelear por nuestros derechos en el trabajo.

We have to fight for our rights at work.

Ella pelea contra la injusticia en su comunidad.

She struggles against injustice in her community.

El equipo va a pelear por el campeonato.

The team is going to compete for the championship.

Prepositions for Goals

When 'pelear' means to struggle for a goal, you will almost always use 'por' (for) or 'contra' (against): 'Peleamos por la libertad' (We struggle for freedom).

Competir vs. Pelear

Learners often use 'competir' when a more forceful sense of struggle is intended. Remember that 'pelear' implies a fight or a strong contention, while 'competir' is generally for a more organized contest or race.

Related Translations

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