경쟁하다
To strive to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others who are trying to do the same.
Examples
3 of 5학생들은 대학 입시에서 서로 경쟁해야 한다.
Students have to compete with each other in college entrance exams.
글로벌 기업들과 경쟁하기 위해서는 기술 혁신이 필요하다.
Technological innovation is needed to compete with global companies.
누가 더 빨리 달리는지 경쟁해 볼까?
Shall we compete to see who runs faster?
Word Family
Memory Tip
Kyung-Jaeng: 'Kyung' (compete) + 'Jaeng' (struggle). Like a gang (Jaeng) competing.
Quick Quiz
현대 사회는 다른 사람과 끊임없이 ____야 하는 환경이다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 경쟁해
Examples
학생들은 대학 입시에서 서로 경쟁해야 한다.
academicStudents have to compete with each other in college entrance exams.
글로벌 기업들과 경쟁하기 위해서는 기술 혁신이 필요하다.
businessTechnological innovation is needed to compete with global companies.
누가 더 빨리 달리는지 경쟁해 볼까?
informalShall we compete to see who runs faster?
스포츠 정신은 공정하게 경쟁하는 것에 있다.
formalThe sports spirit lies in competing fairly.
나는 남과 경쟁하기보다 어제의 나와 경쟁한다.
everydayI compete with my past self rather than with others.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
경쟁력
competitiveness
경쟁률
competition rate (ratio)
경쟁 심리
competitive spirit
Often Confused With
겨루다 is a native Korean word often used for sports or physical matches; 경쟁하다 is more formal and used for social/economic competition.
Usage Notes
Essential for IELTS Task 2 essays regarding 'Competition vs Cooperation' in schools or workplaces.
Common Mistakes
The noun is '경쟁', the verb is '경쟁하다'. Don't confuse with '경제' (economy).
Memory Tip
Kyung-Jaeng: 'Kyung' (compete) + 'Jaeng' (struggle). Like a gang (Jaeng) competing.
Word Origin
From Sino-Korean 競爭: 競 (compete) + 爭 (struggle).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
Korean society is often described as a 'hyper-competitive' (무한 경쟁) society, especially in education.
Quick Quiz
현대 사회는 다른 사람과 끊임없이 ____야 하는 환경이다.
Correct!
The correct answer is: 경쟁해
Related Vocabulary
More business words
제고하다
B2To raise or enhance something to a higher level, such as quality, productivity, or awareness. It is commonly used in professional and government contexts regarding standards and value.
창출하다
B2To create or generate something new, especially in terms of value, jobs, profits, or opportunities.
공식적
B1Authorized by or characteristic of an authority or public body; official. Important for discussing formal procedures or government data.
연계하다
B2To connect or link different things, organizations, or systems together for a common purpose.
간소화하다
B2To simplify a complicated process, system, or procedure to make it more efficient or easier to handle.
가시적
B2Visible or tangible; something that can be seen with the eyes or clearly recognized as a result.
구축하다
B2To build, establish, or construct something, often referring to systems, networks, foundations, or infrastructures rather than physical buildings.
우위
B2A position of being superior or having an advantage over others. It is commonly used in competitive contexts like sports, business, or war.
체결하다
B2To officially sign or conclude a contract, treaty, or agreement. It is a formal term used in business, law, and international relations.
보류하다
B2To delay or postpone a decision or action until a later time.
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