How to Say "to contend" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “to contend” is “competir” — A2 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
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.
Related Translations
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