Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Competition in Spanish: Competencia
Competencia · noun · kohm-peh-TEHN-see-ah
Competencia is the primary Spanish word for competition, used for business rivalry, academic contests, and sports. In Spain, 'competición' is preferred specifically for organized sporting events. Additionally, 'competencia' has a second meaning of 'competence' or 'jurisdiction,' which context easily distinguishes. For game shows or creative contests, 'concurso' is the standard choice.
kohm-peh-TEHN-see-ah
La competencia en el mercado tecnológico es cada vez más intensa.
Competition in the technology market is increasingly intense.
Competition in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for competition, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| competencia | competition | kohm-peh-TEHN-see-ah | Default, widely understood |
| competición | competition | Spain (sports events) | |
| concurso | competition | contest/game show |
How Native Speakers Use Competencia
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Business
Nuestra empresa enfrenta mucha competencia de las marcas internacionales.
Our company faces a lot of competition from international brands.
Discussing market rivalry.
Sports event
La competición olímpica de natación empieza mañana.
The Olympic swimming competition starts tomorrow.
Sports scheduling in Spain.
School contest
Gané el primer lugar en el concurso de ortografía.
I won first place in the spelling competition.
Academic achievement.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Competencia
Double meaning confusion
Incorrect: El juez no tiene competencia para este caso — meaning rivalry.
Correct: El juez no tiene competencia para este caso — means jurisdiction.
Competencia has a legal meaning of jurisdiction or authority. 'No tiene competencia' in legal contexts means 'lacks jurisdiction,' not 'has no competition.' Pay attention to whether the context is legal or commercial.
Using competición for business
Incorrect: Hay mucha competición entre las tiendas locales.
Correct: Hay mucha competencia entre las tiendas locales.
In business and commercial contexts, 'competencia' is the standard term across all regions. 'Competición' is reserved for organized sporting events, particularly in Spain.
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Why word lists alone don't stick
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See Competencia used by native speakers
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Common Questions About Competition in Spanish
- When should I use competencia versus competición?
- Use 'competencia' for business rivalry, general competition, and as the default in Latin America. Use 'competición' for organized sporting events, primarily in Spain. In Latin America, 'competencia' covers both business and sports contexts without distinction.
- How is concurso different from competencia?
- A concurso is typically a structured contest with specific rules, judges, and prizes — like a talent show, beauty pageant, or game show. Competencia is broader, covering any rivalry or competitive situation. Think of concurso as a specific event within the larger concept of competencia.
- Can competencia mean competence in Spanish?
- Competencia has a secondary meaning of 'competence' or 'skill set,' especially in professional and educational contexts. For example, 'competencias laborales' means job competencies. This dual meaning comes directly from the Latin root 'competere' and context always clarifies which sense is intended.