1.
rival warlords; rival heroes; competing powers
Multiple powerful leaders or factions competing for dominance. Originally used for warring feudal lords, now also applied figuratively to businesses, athletes, or other competitors vying for the top position.
Usage
群雄 literally means "a group of heroes" and most commonly appears in the compound 群雄割拠 (rival warlords each holding their own territory). While historically about feudal warfare, it is now widely used as a metaphor for intense competition in business, sports, and other fields.
Common collocations
- 群雄割拠 (rival powers each occupying their own territory — set expression)
- 群雄が競い合う (rival powers compete with each other)
- 群雄の一人 (one of the competing powers)
Similar words
覇者 refers to the eventual winner or champion who emerges from the competition. 群雄 refers to the multiple competitors collectively, before a single winner is determined.