Are you looking to expand your Spanish vocabulary and learn how to say “compete”? You’ve come to the right place! In this guide, we will cover various ways to express this word in both formal and informal settings. We will also explore any regional variations if necessary. So, let’s dive in and explore different ways to say “compete” in Spanish!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Compete” in Spanish
If you’re aiming for a more formal tone or need to use the word in a professional setting, the following options are ideal:
1. Competir
The most straightforward and widely used translation for “compete” in Spanish is competir. It is a versatile verb that works in various contexts, such as sports, business, and academia.
Example: Los atletas se preparan para competir en los Juegos Olímpicos.
(Translation: Athletes are getting ready to compete in the Olympic Games.)
2. Disputar
Another formal option for expressing the idea of competition is the verb disputar. While the main meaning is closer to “dispute,” it can be used to convey the competitive aspect
Example: Los equipos disputarán el campeonato este fin de semana.
(Translation: The teams will compete for the championship this weekend.)
3. Contender
Contender is a slightly more formal verb that also works when talking about competition, especially in the context of a contest or challenge.
Example: Los participantes deberán contender por el premio mayor.
(Translation: The participants will have to compete for the grand prize.)
Informal Ways to Say “Compete” in Spanish
When you’re in a more casual or informal setting, you may prefer to use alternative phrases to express the concept of competition. Here are a few options:
1. Jugar
One informal way to say “compete” in Spanish is by using the verb jugar, which means “to play.” While its primary meaning is related to playing games, it is commonly used to express competitiveness as well.
Example: Vamos a jugar un partido de tenis para competir.
(Translation: Let’s play a tennis match to compete.)
2. Retarse
Retarse, meaning “to challenge oneself,” is a colloquial verb that can also be used to convey the idea of competition.
Example: Los amigos se retaron a superar sus récords personales.
(Translation: The friends challenged each other to beat their personal records.)
Regional Variations
In general, the formal and informal ways mentioned above are understood and used throughout the Spanish-speaking world. However, it is worth noting that there might be slight regional variations in vocabulary usage. For example:
- In some Latin American countries, the verb competir is often replaced by concursar, which also means “to compete,” particularly in the context of contests or auditions.
- In certain regions of Spain, the verb disputar may be replaced by luchar, which translates to “to fight” but is commonly understood as “to compete.”
Conclusion
Congratulations! You have now learned various ways to say “compete” in Spanish. Whether you need to express the concept formally or informally, you can confidently use words like competir, disputar, contender, jugar, or retarse. Just keep in mind that regional variations may exist, so it’s always good to adapt your vocabulary based on the specific Spanish-speaking community you are interacting with.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Use these words in conversations, writing, and any other opportunities you have to reinforce your Spanish skills. Happy competing!
