Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Compete" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "compete", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
張り合う
はりあう (haria-u)
N2 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
拮抗する
きっこうする (kikkō suru)
N1 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "compete" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 張り合う and 拮抗する.
In Japanese, 張り合う (はりあう (haria-u)) is typically associated with "to compete with, to rival" (Syllabus Level: N2) and represents 互いに競争し、優劣を争う様子を表します。特に、同じ目標や地位を目指して努力する際に用いられます。.
On the other hand, 拮抗する (きっこうする (kikkō suru)) maps to "to compete evenly, to be evenly matched, to be in close contention" (Syllabus Level: N1) and represents Describes a situation where two or more opposing forces, teams, or parties are so equally strong that neither can easily gain an advantage.. A literal translation of "compete" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "張り合う"
彼らはいつも成績で張り合っている。
They are always competing with each other for grades.
Bilingual Context for "拮抗する"
選挙戦では、二人の候補者の支持率が拮抗していた。
In the election campaign, the approval ratings of the two candidates were evenly matched.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "彼らはいつも成績で張り合っている。" (Meaning: "They are always competing with each other for grades.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "張り合う" fits here because it means "to compete with, to rival" in the context of: "They are always competing with each other for grades.". "拮抗する" represents "to compete evenly, to be evenly matched, to be in close contention".