競(きそ)う

きそう
godan verb
to compete, to vie
1. to compete, to vie, to rival
To strive against others for superiority, a prize, or recognition. Can describe both formal competition and informal rivalry.
速(はや)さを競(きそ)う。
To compete for speed.
二人(ふたり)は成績(せいせき)を競(きそ)い合(あ)っている。
The two are competing with each other over grades.
各社(かくしゃ)が技術力(ぎじゅつりょく)を競(きそ)い、新製品(しんせいひん)を次々(つぎつぎ)と発表(はっぴょう)した。
Each company vied in technical prowess, announcing new products one after another.

GRAMMAR:
Godan verb (五段(ごだん)). The pattern ～を競(きそ)う means "to compete in/for ~." The compound form 競(きそ)い合(あ)う emphasizes mutual competition.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 速(はや)さを競(きそ)う: to compete for speed
  • 美(うつく)しさを競(きそ)う: to vie in beauty
  • 腕(うで)を競(きそ)う: to compete in skill
  • 競(きそ)い合(あ)う: to compete with each other
  • 先(さき)を競(きそ)う: to race to be first

SIMILAR WORDS:
競争(きょうそう)する is the more common noun+する form meaning "to compete," used broadly. 競(きそ)う is a native Japanese verb with a slightly more literary feel, often used when the object of competition is specified (～を競(きそ)う).

general
Added 2026.2.27 12:11
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