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A2 noun #1,800 más común 6 min de lectura

compétition

Top 1,800

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos compétition en 30 segundos

Explicación compétition in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize 'compétition' as a word that looks like English. You will mostly see it in the context of simple sports. You should know that it is feminine ('la compétition') and that you can 'gagner' (win) or 'perdre' (lose) one. You might use it in basic sentences like 'J'aime la compétition' (I like competition) or 'Il y a une compétition de foot' (There is a football competition). The focus here is on identifying the word in a sentence and understanding its basic meaning related to games and sports. You don't need to worry about the nuances between 'compétition' and 'concurrence' yet. Just remember the 'é' and the feminine gender.

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At the A2 level, you can start using 'compétition' in more varied sentences. You should be able to describe participating in one: 'Je participe à une compétition de danse'. You also learn to use basic adjectives with it, such as 'grande', 'difficile', or 'importante'. You might encounter it in short texts about hobbies or school activities. You should also be aware of the word 'concours' (contest/exam) and start to see that 'compétition' is more for sports while 'concours' might be for a drawing contest or a school prize. You can express simple opinions about competition, like 'La compétition est bonne pour les enfants' (Competition is good for children).

At the B1 level, you can discuss the pros and cons of competition. You should be able to use phrases like 'l'esprit de compétition' (competitive spirit) and 'être en compétition avec'. You will see the word in more complex contexts, such as work environments or news articles. You should understand that 'compétition' can be abstract, referring to the pressure to succeed. You can use the word to talk about your professional life: 'Il y a beaucoup de compétition dans mon domaine'. You also start to distinguish between 'compétition' and 'concurrence' (business competition), though you might still use them interchangeably occasionally. Your vocabulary should include related verbs like 'remporter' (to win/carry off) and 's'entraîner pour' (to train for).

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At the B2 level, you should use 'compétition' and 'concurrence' accurately. You understand that 'concurrence' is for the market and 'compétition' is for the act of competing or for sports. You can discuss complex social issues related to competition, such as 'la compétition acharnée dans la société moderne' (fierce competition in modern society). You can use idiomatic expressions and more advanced collocations like 'fausser la compétition' (to distort competition) or 'une saine compétition'. You should be able to follow a debate about whether competition in schools is beneficial and use the word fluently in your arguments. Your understanding of the word's biological or ecological meanings (competition for resources) should also be developing.

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At the C1 level, you have a nuanced grasp of 'compétition'. You can use it in academic or professional writing to describe complex dynamics. You might explore the philosophical implications of competition in human nature. You are comfortable with technical terms like 'compétition interspécifique' in biology or 'compétition imparfaite' in economics (though 'concurrence' is more common there). You can analyze how the word is used in different registers, from the informal 'faire de la compet'' to the formal 'les enjeux de la compétition internationale'. You can write detailed essays comparing competitive and collaborative systems, using 'compétition' as a central theme with precision and stylistic variety.

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At the C2 level, you use 'compétition' with the precision of a native speaker. You understand its historical etymology and how its usage has evolved. You can detect subtle ironies or metaphors involving the word in literature or high-level journalism. You can discuss the word's role in game theory, evolutionary biology, or global geopolitics with ease. You are aware of rare or specialized uses and can articulate the fine distinctions between 'compétition', 'rivalité', 'émulation', and 'concurrence' in any context. Your use of the word is not just grammatically perfect but also contextually sophisticated, reflecting a deep understanding of French culture and thought.

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Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

compétition en 30 segundos

Compétition is a feminine noun meaning a contest or rivalry, primarily used in sports and general achievement contexts.
It is a cognate of the English 'competition' but has specific nuances compared to 'concurrence' (business) and 'concours' (exams).
Commonly used with verbs like 'gagner', 'participer à', and 'remporter', it describes both events and a mindset.
Essential for discussing sports, professional rivalry, and personal motivation in French at all CEFR levels.

The French word compétition is a versatile feminine noun that primarily denotes a contest or a struggle between individuals or groups aiming for the same goal, typically a prize, a title, or market dominance. While it is most frequently associated with sports, its reach extends deep into the realms of business, biology, and personal development. At its core, it represents the dynamic of 'striving together' (from the Latin competere), though in modern usage, it often emphasizes the rivalry aspect. In a sporting context, it refers to a structured event like a tournament or a match where athletes test their skills against one another. In the professional world, it often overlaps with 'concurrence' (market competition), though 'compétition' suggests a more direct, often performance-based rivalry. Understanding this word requires recognizing that it isn't just about the act of competing, but also the environment and the spirit in which the struggle occurs. It can be 'saine' (healthy) or 'acharnée' (fierce/cutthroat), reflecting the varying degrees of intensity found in human endeavors.

Sporting Context: Refers to organized events like the Olympics or local football leagues. Example: 'Une compétition de natation.'
Economic Context: Describes the rivalry between companies for customers or resources. Example: 'La compétition sur le marché des smartphones.'
Biological Context: The struggle between organisms for limited resources like food or territory.

L'esprit de compétition est essentiel pour atteindre l'excellence dans le sport de haut niveau.

Il y a beaucoup de compétition pour ce poste de directeur.

Abstract Usage: Can refer to the general state of rivalry in society or nature.

Elle a remporté la compétition internationale de piano.

Using compétition correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a noun and the common verbs it pairs with. Since it is a feminine noun, you must use feminine articles: la compétition, une compétition, or cette compétition. When talking about participating, use the preposition à: 'participer à une compétition'. If you are competing against someone, use contre or avec: 'être en compétition avec quelqu'un'. It is also common to describe the nature of the competition using adjectives like féroce (fierce), amicale (friendly), or mondiale (worldwide). In business, while 'concurrence' is technically more accurate for market forces, 'compétition' is frequently used to describe the direct rivalry between two specific entities. You will also see it in the phrase 'esprit de compétition', which refers to a competitive mindset. This phrase is often used in job descriptions or sports psychology. When discussing the act of winning or losing, verbs like gagner, remporter, perdre, or sortir de are standard. For example, 'Elle a remporté la compétition' sounds more formal and impressive than 'Elle a gagné la compétition'.

Common Verbs: Organiser, participer à, gagner, perdre, annuler, préparer.

Nous sommes en compétition directe avec cette entreprise allemande.

Le niveau de la compétition était incroyablement élevé cette année.

You will encounter compétition in various daily scenarios. On television, sports commentators use it constantly during events like the World Cup, the Tour de France, or the Olympics. You'll hear phrases like 'une compétition acharnée' (a fierce competition) or 'le début de la compétition'. In schools and universities, it appears when discussing sports teams or academic contests, though 'concours' is more common for exams. In the workplace, managers might talk about 'la compétition interne' to motivate employees or 'la compétition internationale' when discussing strategy. News reports on the economy frequently use it to describe how French companies are performing against global rivals. Even in casual conversation, someone might say 'Je n'ai pas l'esprit de compétition' to explain why they don't like playing board games aggressively. It is a high-frequency word that bridges the gap between formal news reporting and everyday social interactions. In literature and cinema, the theme of competition is a classic trope, often used to drive character development or plot tension.

Bienvenue à tous pour cette nouvelle compétition de gymnastique !

The most frequent mistake English speakers make is using compétition when they should use concurrence or concours. While 'competition' in English covers almost everything, French is more specific. Concurrence is the standard term for economic or market competition (e.g., 'la libre concurrence'). Using 'compétition' in a strictly economic sense is becoming more common due to English influence (anglicism), but 'concurrence' remains the 'pure' choice. Another trap is concours. A 'concours' is a specific type of competition where there is a limited number of places or prizes, often used for civil service exams or entrance to 'Grandes Écoles'. If you say 'J'ai une compétition demain' but you are actually taking a medical school entrance exam, a French person might be confused and think you are playing soccer. Additionally, ensure you don't confuse the noun with the verb compétiter (which is rarely used and often considered an anglicism); instead, use concourir or faire de la compétition. Lastly, watch the gender: it is always feminine, never masculine.

Compétition vs. Concurrence: Compétition = Sports/Direct rivalry. Concurrence = Business/Market forces.
Compétition vs. Concours: Compétition = Open event/Sports. Concours = Competitive exam/Limited spots.

Several words share a semantic field with compétition, each with its own nuance. Tournoi (tournament) refers to a series of games or matches leading to a single winner, often used in tennis or chess. Épreuve (event/trial) is often used for specific parts of a larger competition, like a '100m épreuve' in an athletics meet. Rivalité (rivalry) describes the ongoing state of being competitors, often with a more personal or emotional edge. Match is used specifically for a single game between two sides. Challenge or Défi (challenge) focuses more on the difficulty or the goal to be achieved rather than the other participants. In a professional setting, émulation is a positive term for competition that encourages everyone to improve. Understanding these distinctions helps you sound more like a native speaker and allows for more precise communication.

Le Tournoi: A structured series of matches (e.g., Roland-Garros).
La Concurrence: Business rivalry or market competition.
Le Défi: A personal or collective challenge to overcome.

How Formal Is It?

Nivel de dificultad

Gramática que debes saber

Gender of nouns ending in -tion (usually feminine)

Use of the preposition 'à' with 'participer'

Adjective agreement with feminine nouns

Passé composé with 'avoir' for 'gagner' and 'perdre'

Comparatives and superlatives (plus... que, le plus...)

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Ejemplos por nivel

C'est une grande compétition.

It is a big competition.

Feminine noun with 'une' and 'grande'.

J'aime la compétition de tennis.

I like the tennis competition.

Definite article 'la'.

Il gagne la compétition.

He wins the competition.

Verb 'gagner' in present tense.

Elle regarde une compétition à la télé.

She is watching a competition on TV.

Preposition 'à la'.

Où est la compétition ?

Where is the competition?

Question word 'Où'.

La compétition commence à midi.

The competition starts at noon.

Verb 'commencer'.

C'est ma première compétition.

It is my first competition.

Possessive adjective 'ma' (feminine).

Nous aimons les compétitions.

We like competitions.

Plural form 'compétitions'.

Je participe à une compétition de natation samedi.

I am participating in a swimming competition on Saturday.

Preposition 'à' after 'participer'.

Ma sœur a gagné une petite compétition.

My sister won a small competition.

Passé composé 'a gagné'.

Est-ce que tu aimes l'esprit de compétition ?

Do you like the competitive spirit?

Compound noun 'esprit de compétition'.

Il y a beaucoup de compétition dans ce sport.

There is a lot of competition in this sport.

'Beaucoup de' + noun.

Nous préparons une compétition pour l'école.

We are preparing a competition for the school.

Verb 'préparer'.

Cette compétition est très difficile pour moi.

This competition is very difficult for me.

Demonstrative adjective 'cette'.

Elle ne veut pas faire de compétition.

She doesn't want to do competition.

Negative 'ne...pas de'.

Les règles de la compétition sont simples.

The rules of the competition are simple.

Plural subject 'les règles'.

L'esprit de compétition peut être motivant au travail.

The competitive spirit can be motivating at work.

Modal verb 'peut être'.

Il a décidé de se retirer de la compétition.

He decided to withdraw from the competition.

Reflexive verb 'se retirer'.

La compétition entre les deux villes est historique.

The competition between the two cities is historic.

Preposition 'entre'.

Elle a remporté la compétition malgré sa blessure.

She won the competition despite her injury.

Conjunction 'malgré'.

Il faut encourager une saine compétition entre les élèves.

We must encourage healthy competition among students.

Impersonal 'Il faut'.

Le marché est marqué par une forte compétition.

The market is marked by strong competition.

Passive voice 'est marqué'.

Ils sont en compétition pour obtenir le contrat.

They are in competition to get the contract.

Phrase 'en compétition pour'.

La compétition internationale demande beaucoup de sacrifices.

International competition requires many sacrifices.

Adjective 'internationale'.

La compétition acharnée peut parfois nuire à la collaboration.

Fierce competition can sometimes harm collaboration.

Adjective 'acharnée'.

Il est crucial de maintenir une compétition loyale.

It is crucial to maintain fair competition.

Adjective 'loyale'.

Le dopage fausse les résultats de la compétition.

Doping distorts the results of the competition.

Verb 'fausser'.

La compétition pour les ressources naturelles s'intensifie.

Competition for natural resources is intensifying.

Reflexive 's'intensifie'.

Elle s'est illustrée lors de cette compétition mondiale.

She distinguished herself during this world competition.

Reflexive 's'est illustrée'.

L'absence de compétition mène souvent à la complaisance.

The absence of competition often leads to complacency.

Noun 'absence'.

Le jury a eu du mal à départager les candidats de la compétition.

The jury had trouble deciding between the competition candidates.

Verb 'départager'.

Cette compétition sert de tremplin pour sa carrière.

This competition serves as a springboard for his career.

Metaphor 'sert de tremplin'.

La compétition interspécifique est un moteur de l'évolution.

Interspecific competition is a driver of evolution.

Scientific adjective 'interspécifique'.

On assiste à une compétition féroce pour l'hégémonie culturelle.

We are witnessing a fierce competition for cultural hegemony.

Abstract noun 'hégémonie'.

Le cadre législatif vise à prévenir toute compétition déloyale.

The legislative framework aims to prevent any unfair competition.

Adjective 'déloyale'.

L'individu est souvent pris dans une compétition sociale épuisante.

The individual is often caught in an exhausting social competition.

Passive 'est pris'.

La compétition ne doit pas occulter les valeurs d'entraide.

Competition must not overshadow the values of mutual aid.

Verb 'occulter'.

Il existe une compétition tacite entre les deux chercheurs.

There is a tacit competition between the two researchers.

Adjective 'tacite'.

La compétition pour l'attention numérique est le nouveau défi des médias.

The competition for digital attention is the new challenge for media.

Compound noun 'attention numérique'.

L'éthique sportive est mise à mal par la compétition outrancière.

Sports ethics are undermined by excessive competition.

Adjective 'outrancière'.

L'exacerbation de la compétition géopolitique redéfinit les alliances.

The exacerbation of geopolitical competition is redefining alliances.

Noun 'exacerbation'.

La compétition mimétique, selon René Girard, est source de conflit.

Mimetic competition, according to René Girard, is a source of conflict.

Philosophical reference.

Il convient d'analyser la compétition sous l'angle de la théorie des jeux.

It is appropriate to analyze competition from the perspective of game theory.

Formal expression 'Il convient de'.

La compétition pour le prestige symbolique anime les cercles littéraires.

The competition for symbolic prestige drives literary circles.

Abstract 'prestige symbolique'.

Le néolibéralisme érige la compétition en principe cardinal de l'existence.

Neoliberalism establishes competition as a cardinal principle of existence.

Verb 'ériger'.

La compétition s'efface parfois devant la nécessité de la survie collective.

Competition sometimes fades before the necessity of collective survival.

Reflexive 's'efface'.

L'ontologie de la compétition repose sur la rareté des ressources.

The ontology of competition rests on the scarcity of resources.

Philosophical term 'ontologie'.

Une compétition effrénée peut conduire à l'aliénation de l'individu.

Unbridled competition can lead to the alienation of the individual.

Adjective 'effrénée'.

Colocaciones comunes

saine compétition

esprit de compétition

entrer en compétition

gagner une compétition

perdre une compétition

compétition acharnée

compétition internationale

niveau de compétition

hors compétition

en compétition avec

Frases Comunes

Faire de la compétition

L'esprit de compétition

Une compétition de haut niveau

Être en compétition directe

Remporter la compétition

Participer à une compétition

Le début de la compétition

Une saine compétition

La compétition est rude

Sortir de la compétition

Se confunde a menudo con

compétition vs Concours (Competitive exam/contest)

compétition vs Concurrence (Business competition)

compétition vs Combat (Physical fight)

Modismos y expresiones

"Avoir l'esprit de compétition"

"Mettre en compétition"

"La compétition dans le sang"

"Jouer la compétition"

"Fausser la compétition"

"Être hors compétition"

"Entrer dans la compétition"

"Soutenir la compétition"

"Écraser la compétition"

"Vivre pour la compétition"

Fácil de confundir

compétition vs Concours

A 'concours' has a limited number of winners/places, often academic.

compétition vs Concurrence

Used for economic rivalry and market forces.

compétition vs Épreuve

A single test or part of a larger competition.

compétition vs Match

A single game between two opponents.

compétition vs Tournoi

A structured series of matches.

Patrones de oraciones

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Cómo usarlo

nuance

'Compétition' is more about the event, 'concurrence' is more about the market state.

anglicism warning

Avoid using 'compétiter' as a verb; use 'concourir' or 'faire de la compétition'.

Errores comunes

Using 'le compétition' (it is feminine).
Using 'compétition' for a school exam (use 'concours').
Saying 'compétitionner' instead of 'concourir'.
Forgetting the accent on the 'é'.
Confusing 'compétition' with 'concurrence' in formal business contexts.

Consejos

Gender Rule

Nouns ending in -tion are almost always feminine in French. This makes 'la compétition' easy to remember.

Exam vs Sport

If you are talking about the SATs or a medical exam, use 'concours'. If you are talking about a 5k run, use 'compétition'.

Casual Slang

You can say 'la compet'' (pronounced 'com-pette') when talking to friends about a sports event.

Better Verbs

Instead of 'faire une compétition', try 'participer à une compétition' for better style.

Roland-Garros

This is the most famous tennis 'compétition' in France. It is also called a 'tournoi'.

Market Talk

In a business meeting, use 'concurrence' to sound more professional when discussing other companies.

Cognate Power

Since it looks like English, focus your energy on remembering the feminine gender and the accent.

The Nasal O

The first 'o' in 'com-' is nasal. Try to let the air go through your nose.

News Keywords

When you hear 'compétition' on the news, it's almost always followed by a specific sport or 'internationale'.

Healthy Rivalry

Use 'une saine compétition' to describe a positive rivalry that helps everyone improve.

Memorízalo

Origen de la palabra

Latin 'competitio'

Contexto cultural

France hosts major competitions like Roland-Garros and the Tour de France.

French law is very strict about 'concurrence déloyale' (unfair competition).

The 'concours' system is a unique French competitive structure for civil service and elite education.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Inicios de conversación

"Est-ce que tu as l'esprit de compétition ?"

"Quelle est la compétition la plus difficile que tu as faite ?"

"Préfères-tu la compétition ou la coopération ?"

"Regardes-tu souvent des compétitions sportives à la télé ?"

"Y a-t-il beaucoup de compétition dans ton travail ?"

Temas para diario

Décris une compétition à laquelle tu as participé.

Pourquoi la compétition est-elle importante dans la société ?

Est-ce que l'esprit de compétition est une bonne chose pour les enfants ?

Imagine une compétition imaginaire : quelles seraient les règles ?

Comment gères-tu la pression pendant une compétition ?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

It is feminine: la compétition.

Yes, but 'concurrence' is more common and precise for market rivalry.

A 'compétition' is usually for sports, while a 'concours' is for exams or contests with limited prizes.

It is 'l'esprit de compétition'.

It is used in Quebec, but in France, it is considered an anglicism. Use 'concourir'.

Common verbs are 'gagner', 'perdre', 'participer à', and 'remporter'.

The '-tion' is pronounced like 'syohn'.

Both are used; 'avec' is common for 'in competition with', 'contre' emphasizes the opponent.

Yes, 'les compétitions'.

Synonyms include 'tournoi', 'épreuve', and 'rivalité'.

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