Meaning
The kanji 競 (kyō, kisou, seru) represents the core ideas of competing, contesting, racing, vying, and bidding. It describes situations where multiple individuals or groups strive against each other. Their aim might be to achieve a common goal, win a prize, or secure a position.
Looking at its etymology, 競 is a fascinating character. While its modern form appears complex, understanding its origins makes its meaning clearer. The character is traditionally believed to be composed of two instances of 立つ (tatsu), meaning "to stand." These are arranged side-by-side, with additional elements inside or overlaying them, sometimes resembling 兄 (ani, elder brother). This visual structure powerfully suggests two individuals or parties "standing up" against each other, ready to contend or challenge. Picture two runners at a starting line, both standing, poised to race. Or imagine two competitors facing off in an arena. The repeated "standing" elements emphasize direct confrontation and a shared desire for victory or acquisition. This design intuitively links to competition, rivalry, and striving for supremacy.
With a stroke count of 20 strokes, this kanji has an intricate structure. It is officially taught in Grade 6 of Japanese elementary school, making it a key character for describing competitive actions in Japanese.
Readings
On'yomi (音読み) — Chinese-derived readings
The On'yomi (音読み), or Chinese-derived readings, for 競 are mainly found in formal terms and compound words. The principal On'yomi is:
**キョウ (KYŌ)**
This is the most common On'yomi. You'll find it widely used in many terms related to competition, racing, and various forms of contention. It often appears in nouns describing competitive events, actions, or states, especially in more structured or institutional settings.
- 競争 (kyōsō) — competition, contest, rivalry
- 競馬 (keiba) — horse race
- 競泳 (kyōei) — competitive swimming
- 競売 (kyōbai) — auction, public sale
Kun'yomi (訓読み) — Native Japanese readings
The Kun'yomi (訓読み), or native Japanese readings, offer direct verbal expressions of competition and rivalry. These readings typically form verbs and are crucial for talking about competitive actions in everyday Japanese.
**きそ・う (kisou)**
This is a very common Kun'yomi, forming the verb 競う. It means "to compete," "to contend," or "to vie for." You'll use it to describe the act of striving against others, often with a shared goal of victory or achievement. It applies to many competitive scenarios, from sports to academic pursuits.
- 競う (kisou) — to compete, to contend, to vie
- 互いに技術を競う (tagai ni gijutsu wo kisou) — to compete with each other in skill
- 栄誉を競う (eiyo wo kisou) — to vie for honor
**せ・る (seru)**
This Kun'yomi forms the verb 競る, which also means "to compete" or "to race." However, 競る often suggests a more specific nuance. It's particularly used in contexts like bidding at an auction, jostling for position, or racing fiercely. This verb implies a direct and often intense rivalry, where participants actively push against each other for an immediate result.
- 競る (seru) — to bid (at auction), to race, to jostle
- 市場で競る (shijō de seru) — to compete/bid in the market
- 値段を競る (nedan wo seru) — to bid up the price
Common Words & Compounds
The kanji 競 forms many important compound words. These reflect its widespread use in contexts of competition, rivalry, and various contests. Such terms are crucial for discussing sports, business, and daily challenges.
Competitive Activities and Sports
- 競争 (kyōsō) — competition, contest, rivalry. This is a very broad term covering almost any form of competition.
- 競走 (kyōsō) — race (e.g., running race, cycling race). This term specifically focuses on events involving speed.
- 競技 (kyōgi) — game, match, contest, sport. Refers to the event itself, like an athletic competition.
- 競泳 (kyōei) — competitive swimming. This specifically refers to swimming as a sport.
- 競輪 (keirin) — keirin (a type of track cycling race, often associated with betting).
- 競馬 (keiba) — horse race.
Economic and Business Competition
- 競売 (kyōbai) — auction, public sale. This describes the act of selling items to the highest bidder.
- 競合 (kyōgō) — competition, rivalry (often in a business or market context). It refers to rival products or companies.
- 競り (seri) — auction, bidding (noun form derived from 競る).
- 競り合い (seriai) — close contest, scramble, jostling. This describes a situation where multiple parties are closely competing.
Verbal Forms and Nuances
- 競い合う (kisoiau) — to compete with each other, to vie. This emphasizes mutual competition.
- 競り勝つ (serikatsu) — to win a close contest, to narrowly defeat. It means to triumph after a fierce struggle.
- 競り負ける (serimakeru) — to lose a close contest, to be narrowly defeated. It means to be beaten after a fierce struggle.
Example Sentences
彼らは誰が速いか競っている。
Karera wa dare ga hayai ka kisotteiru.
They are competing to see who is faster.
今週の日曜日に競馬が開催されます。
Konshū no nichiyōbi ni keiba ga kaisai saremasu.
A horse race will be held this Sunday.
オリンピック競技は世界中の注目を集める。
Orinpikku kyōgi wa sekaijū no chūmoku wo atsumeru.
The Olympic games attract attention from all over the world.
子供たちは公園で競い合って遊んでいた。
Kodomotachi wa kōen de kisoiatte asondeita.
The children were competing with each other while playing in the park.
新製品は市場で激しい競争に晒されている。
Shinseihin wa shijō de hageshii kyōsō ni sarasareteiru.
The new product is exposed to fierce competition in the market.
その絵は競売で高値で競り落とされた。
Sono e wa kyōbai de takane de seriotosareta.
That painting was bought at a high price in the auction.
彼は多くのライバルと競合しながら成功した。
Kare wa ooku no raibaru to kyōgō shinagara seikō shita.
He succeeded while competing with many rivals.
日本と中国の競泳チームがメダルを競い合った。
Nihon to Chūgoku no kyōei chīmu ga medaru wo kisoatta.
The Japanese and Chinese competitive swimming teams competed for medals.
企業は新しいサービスで互いに競い、顧客を引きつけようとしている。
Kigyō wa atarashii sābisu de tagai ni kisoi, kokyaku wo hikitsukeyou to shiteiru.
Companies are competing with each other with new services to attract customers.
最後のラップで両者が激しく競り合い、観客は総立ちになった。
Saigo no rappu de ryōsha ga hageshiku seriaiai, kankyaku wa sōtachi ni natta.
Both parties competed fiercely in the last lap, and the spectators rose to their feet.
Memory Tip
To remember 競, think about its visual components and how they suggest "competition." Imagine two people or groups fiercely standing up against each other, symbolized by the two "立" radicals (standing). The internal components, such as those resembling 兄 (elder brother), can be visualized as abstract representations of individuals. Picture two "elder brothers" or simply two figures, both "standing" (立) their ground, facing off in a passionate contest. The kanji's 20 strokes themselves suggest complexity and effort, much like a strenuous competition. You could also visualize two athletes, each standing tall, pouring their energy into a race. Their arms and legs are a blur of motion as they vie for the same finish line. This vivid image of two figures standing in intense rivalry will help you firmly recall the meaning of "compete" or "race."