コンテスト
kontesuto
The English word 'contest' can be translated into Japanese in several ways depending on the context. The most common way to say it is コンテスト (kontesuto). Wiktionary also lists コンクール (konkūru) and 競争 (kyōsō).
Meaning: competition (noun)
Ways to say it
| Japanese | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| コンテスト | kontesuto | |
| コンクール | konkūru | [kõ̞ŋkɯ̟ːɾɯ̟] (narrow) |
| 競争 | kyōsō | [kʲo̞ːso̞ː] (narrow) |
The term コンテスト is the most common way to describe general-purpose contests, such as beauty pageants or talent shows. For the abstract concept of competition or a race, use 競争. In a formal or professional setting, such as sports, you might see the word 競技.
Which one should you use?
There are distinct differences between these terms: コンテスト is used for general events like talent shows. コンクール is a specialized term reserved for high-level competitions in music or the fine arts. And 競争 refers to the general concept of competition or a race rather than a specific organized event. Additionally, 競技 is a formal term often used in the context of sports.
How do you pronounce it?
kontesuto
Did you know?
- Unlike the English 'contest', which can mean to dispute a result, コンテスト refers only to a competition and cannot be used to mean challenging a decision.
- The word コンクール sounds like it might be a Japanese word, but it actually traces its roots back to the French word 'concours'.
- The word 競争 describes not just a race or contest but also the intense social pressure to keep up with others in school or the workplace.
Examples in context
- 私たちはコンテストに参加した。We took part in the contest.This sentence is useful for showing participation in a コンテスト.Tatoeba #166519 by KK_kaku_, translation #247983 by CK
- まもなく音楽コンクールがあります。We will have a music contest soon.This sentence is useful for announcing an upcoming music コンクール.Tatoeba #195291 by bunbuku, translation #32465 by CC
- 多くの学生がコンテストに参加しました。Many students took part in the contest.This sentence is useful for describing the participation of students in a コンテスト.Tatoeba #138427 by bunbuku, translation #274808 by CK
- 明日は学校で絵画コンテストが開催されるんだ。参加してみたいな。They're organizing an art contest at school tomorrow. I'd like to give it a try.
- 歌唱コンテストSinging contest
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Hiyori and Hinata are talking about a talent show at school.
- 陽葵 Himari学校のダンスコンテスト、見た？Gakkou no dansu kontesuto, mita?Did you see the school dance contest?
- 陽太 Yotaいいえ、まだ見ていないよ。Iie, mada mite inai yo.No, I haven't seen it yet.
- 陽葵 Himariとても盛り上がっていたよ！Totemo moriagatte ita yo!It was really exciting!
- 陽太 Yotaそれは面白そうだね。Sore wa omoshirosou da ne.That sounds interesting.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “contest” translations and entries コンテスト, コンクール, 競争, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries コンクール, コンテスト, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
