Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Competition" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "competition", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
競争
きょうそう (kyousou)
N4 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
競合
きょうごう (kyōgō)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "competition" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 競争 and 競合.
In Japanese, 競争 (きょうそう (kyousou)) is typically associated with "competition, contest, rivalry" (Syllabus Level: N4) and represents Can be a noun.
On the other hand, 競合 (きょうごう (kyōgō)) maps to "competition; rivalry; conflict; clash of interests/processes" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to competition, rivalry, or a clash of interests/processes. A literal translation of "competition" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "競争"
この仕事は競争が激しいです。
This job involves fierce competition.
Bilingual Context for "競合"
同種の類似システムが同時にアクセスを試みたため、データベース内で深刻なプロセスの_______が発生しました。
Because similar systems tried to access simultaneously, a serious conflict of processes occurred in the database.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "この仕事は ＿＿＿ が激しいです。" (Meaning: "This job involves fierce competition.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "競争" fits here because it means "competition, contest, rivalry" in the context of: "This job involves fierce competition.". "競合" represents "competition; rivalry; conflict; clash of interests/processes".