경쟁
A situation in which people or organizations try to be more successful than others. A very common theme in IELTS Task 2 essays regarding education and the global market.
Examples
3 of 5우리 회사는 다른 업체들과 치열하게 경쟁하고 있어요.
Our company is competing fiercely with other businesses.
정부는 시장의 자유로운 경쟁을 보장해야 합니다.
The government must guarantee free competition in the market.
너무 경쟁하려고 하지 마.
Don't try to compete too much.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Gyeong-jaeng: Sounds like 'Gaining' an edge over 'Jang' (opponents).
Quick Quiz
입시 _____이 너무 치열해서 학생들이 쉴 시간이 없습니다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 경쟁
Examples
우리 회사는 다른 업체들과 치열하게 경쟁하고 있어요.
everydayOur company is competing fiercely with other businesses.
정부는 시장의 자유로운 경쟁을 보장해야 합니다.
formalThe government must guarantee free competition in the market.
너무 경쟁하려고 하지 마.
informalDon't try to compete too much.
생태계 내에서 자원을 차지하기 위한 종간 경쟁이 발생한다.
academicInterspecific competition occurs within ecosystems to claim resources.
글로벌 시장에서 경쟁 우위를 점하는 것이 중요합니다.
businessIt is important to gain a competitive advantage in the global market.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
경쟁을 벌이다
to engage in competition
경쟁에서 이기다/지다
to win/lose in a competition
선의의 경쟁
good-willed competition
Often Confused With
경기 is a specific sports match or race, while 경쟁 is the broader concept of competing.
Usage Notes
Used both for physical contests and abstract social/economic situations.
Common Mistakes
Mixing up '경쟁' and '경제' (economy) due to similar spelling.
Memory Tip
Gyeong-jaeng: Sounds like 'Gaining' an edge over 'Jang' (opponents).
Word Origin
From Sino-Korean 競 (gyeong - compete) and 爭 (jaeng - struggle/fight).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Korean society is often described as highly competitive, especially in education and job hunting.
Quick Quiz
입시 _____이 너무 치열해서 학생들이 쉴 시간이 없습니다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 경쟁
Related Vocabulary
More society words
저명하다
B1To be well-known, famous, or eminent, especially in a specific field such as science, art, or academia.
역할
B1The part played by a person or thing in a particular situation or activity.
정부
B1The group of people with the authority to govern a country or state. Very high frequency in IELTS Task 2 essays about policy and social issues.
실업
B1The state of being without a job, especially when one is actively seeking work. It is a major social and economic indicator.
실천하다
B1To put a plan, idea, or theory into action. It emphasizes the movement from thinking or promising to actually doing.
주거
B1The act of living in a place, or the place itself where one lives. It is often used in terms of housing policy and living conditions.
공동체
B1A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. It emphasizes unity and shared interests.
유포하다
B1To spread or circulate information, rumors, or viruses to many people.
집단적
B1Relating to a group of people or done as a collective rather than as individuals.
가담하다
B1To participate in or join a group, a movement, or an action (sometimes used for negative actions like crimes).
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