At the A1 level, you can think of 竞争对手 as 'the person you play against.' Even though it is a long word, you can break it down. '竞争' is about trying to win, and '对手' is the person on the other side. In simple games like football or a race, the other person is your 竞争对手. At this stage, just remember that it means 'someone you are trying to beat.' You might hear it in very simple sentences like '她是我的竞争对手' (She is my competitor). It is a good word to know because it shows you can talk about more than just 'friends' (朋友). Even if you can't write the characters yet, recognizing the sound 'jìngzhēng duìshǒu' will help you understand sports and games. Focus on the idea of 'two people wanting the same thing.' Most A1 learners will find the word long, but if you remember '对手' (opponent) first, adding '竞争' later is much easier. Try to use it when talking about who you are playing a game with today.
At the A2 level, you should start using 竞争对手 in the context of school and simple jobs. You might have a 竞争对手 for the best grades in your Chinese class, or if you work in a small shop, the shop across the street is your 竞争对手. You should be able to use simple adjectives with it, like '大的' (big) or '强的' (strong). For example, '那家公司是一个大的竞争对手' (That company is a big competitor). You are learning that this word is more formal than '对手'. In A2, you are building the foundation to talk about your life and work, and competition is a big part of that. You should also recognize that this word is a noun. You can say '我有竞争对手' (I have competitors), but you shouldn't use it as a verb. It is also helpful to notice the characters: '竞' looks like people standing, and '争' looks like hands fighting for something. This visual can help you remember the meaning of 'competition.'
At the B1 level, you can use 竞争对手 to talk about more complex topics like the economy, career paths, and social issues. You should be able to explain *why* someone is a competitor. For example, '因为我们卖一样的产品,所以他们是我们的竞争对手' (Because we sell the same products, they are our competitors). You can also start using it with more professional verbs like '分析' (analyze) or '打败' (defeat). At this level, you understand that a 竞争对手 isn't necessarily a bad person; they are just someone in the same market or field as you. You might use it in a job interview to describe how you handled pressure from others. You should also be comfortable using it in the plural, referring to '很多竞争对手' (many competitors). Your sentences should become more descriptive, such as '在目前的市场上,我们面临着来自全球的竞争对手' (In the current market, we are facing competitors from all over the world).
At the B2 level, 竞争对手 becomes a tool for strategic discussion. You should be able to discuss market share, competitive advantages, and the nuances of rivalry. You can use phrases like '潜在的竞争对手' (potential competitors) or '主要的竞争对手' (main competitors). You will encounter this word in business articles and news reports where the tone is formal and analytical. You should understand the difference between this word and '劲敌' (formidable rival) or '同行' (industry peer). At B2, you are expected to use the word in structured arguments, such as debating whether competition is good for innovation. For instance, '竞争对手的存在可以促使公司不断创新' (The existence of competitors can urge companies to innovate constantly). You should also be able to use it in passive or more complex grammatical structures. Your understanding of the word should extend to its role in the 'Red Ocean' vs. 'Blue Ocean' strategy discussions often found in Chinese business literature.
At the C1 level, your use of 竞争对手 should be nuanced and precise. You can use it to describe abstract concepts, such as two different ideologies or technologies being 竞争对手 for the future of society. You will understand the subtle connotations it carries in different registers—how it sounds in a legal contract versus a motivational speech. You should be able to use four-character idioms (chengyu) alongside it, like '不分伯仲的竞争对手' (competitors who are neck and neck). You will also be able to analyze the word's etymology and how the concept of 'competition' has evolved in Chinese culture, from the imperial examinations to the modern tech era. At this level, you might use the word in a thesis or a high-level business negotiation. You can discuss '良性竞争' (healthy competition) vs. '恶性竞争' (cut-throat competition) and how one views their 竞争对手 as a mirror for self-reflection. Your vocabulary around this word will include related terms like '垄断' (monopoly) and '博弈' (game theory).
At the C2 level, 竞争对手 is a word you master in all its stylistic variations. You can use it in literary writing to create metaphors or in academic papers to discuss geopolitical rivalries. You understand the historical weight of competition in the Sinosphere and can discuss how the term 竞争对手 might be perceived differently in a collectivist versus individualist framework. You can use the word in highly sophisticated ways, such as '将其视为竞争对手而非敌手' (viewing them as a competitor rather than an enemy), which demonstrates a deep understanding of social dynamics. You are also proficient in using the word within the context of classical Chinese references if needed, though the word itself is modern. Your ability to use it in spontaneous, high-pressure situations—like live debates or executive presentations—is flawless. You can effortlessly switch between '竞争者', '对手', '劲敌', and '竞争对手' to achieve the exact rhetorical effect you desire, showing a native-level command of the language's subtlety and power.

竞争对手 en 30 segundos

  • 竞争对手 means 'competitor' or 'rival' and is used in formal contexts like business, sports, and academics to describe those vying for the same goal.
  • It is a compound of '竞争' (compete) and '对手' (opponent), making it more specific and professional than just '对手'.
  • Commonly used with verbs like 'analyze', 'defeat', or 'respect', it is essential for discussing market dynamics or professional challenges in Chinese.
  • Avoid confusing it with 'enemy' (敌人), as '竞争对手' implies a shared set of rules and a level of professional respect.

The term 竞争对手 (jìngzhēng duìshǒu) is a cornerstone of both professional and personal discourse in Chinese. At its heart, it is a compound noun formed by two distinct concepts: 竞争 (jìngzhēng), meaning 'competition' or 'to compete,' and 对手 (duìshǒu), which literally translates to 'opposite hand' but refers to an opponent or rival. When combined, they specifically describe a person, team, or organization that is vying for the same goal, market share, or prize as you are. Unlike a simple 'enemy' (敌人), a 竞争对手 is often viewed through a lens of respect or strategic necessity. In the modern Chinese corporate world, the concept of the 'competitor' is ubiquitous, appearing in every business plan and market analysis. It is also common in academic settings, where students might refer to peers who are competing for limited scholarships or university placements as their 竞争对手. The nuance here is important: while an 'opponent' (对手) could be someone you face once in a game of chess, a 竞争对手 implies a more sustained, often systemic rivalry where both parties are pushing themselves to excel in the same field.

Business Context
In the boardroom, this word is used to identify market rivals. For example, '我们的竞争对手正在降价' (Our competitors are lowering prices).
Academic Context
Students use this to describe peers competing for the top rank in standardized testing like the Gaokao.

了解你的竞争对手是成功的关键。 (Understanding your competitor is the key to success.)

Furthermore, the word is not limited to individuals. It can describe abstract entities. For instance, in international relations, two countries might be described as 竞争对手 in terms of technological advancement or space exploration. The term carries a certain weight of professionalism; you wouldn't typically use it for a casual sibling rivalry over a toy, as it implies a level of formality and significant stakes. It suggests a structured environment where rules of engagement apply, whether those are the laws of the free market or the regulations of a sporting body. Understanding this word helps learners navigate the complexities of Chinese social hierarchy and professional dynamics, where competition is often intense but governed by a specific set of linguistic and cultural norms.

Using 竞争对手 correctly requires an understanding of its role as a formal noun. It usually functions as the object of a verb or the subject of a sentence. Common verbs that pair with it include 击败 (jībài - to defeat), 分析 (fēnxī - to analyze), and 尊重 (zūnzhòng - to respect). Because it is a multi-syllabic, formal word, it fits naturally in written reports, news broadcasts, and professional speeches. In a sentence, it often follows possessive pronouns like '我的' (my) or '他们的' (their). For example, '他是我的竞争对手' is a standard way to identify a rival. However, to sound more native, one might use it in more complex structures like '在激烈的市场中,竞争对手层出不穷' (In a fierce market, competitors emerge one after another).

Subject Position
竞争对手的技术比我们先进。 (The competitor's technology is more advanced than ours.)
Object Position
我们必须密切关注竞争对手。 (We must closely monitor our competitors.)

不要低估你的竞争对手。 (Do not underestimate your competitor.)

When describing the intensity of the rivalry, you can add adjectives. A 'strong competitor' is a 强劲的竞争对手 (qiángjìng de jìngzhēng duìshǒu), while a 'potential competitor' is a 潜在的竞争对手 (qiánzài de jìngzhēng duìshǒu). In a more poetic or literary context, you might see it used to describe two entities that are equally matched, often using the phrase '旗鼓相当的竞争对手' (competitors of equal strength). This versatility allows the word to span from the mundane world of retail sales to the high-stakes arena of international geopolitics, making it an essential tool for any intermediate to advanced learner of Chinese.

You will encounter 竞争对手 in a variety of real-world scenarios in China. The most common is the business news. If you watch CCTV-2 (the financial channel) or read newspapers like the 'Economic Daily' (经济日报), you will see this word dozens of times a day. It is used to discuss the rivalry between tech giants like Alibaba and Tencent, or the competition between domestic and foreign car manufacturers. In these contexts, the word carries a sense of strategic importance. Another common place is in the workplace during internal meetings. Managers often use it to motivate their teams, saying things like '我们要向竞争对手学习' (We need to learn from our competitors). This reflects a management philosophy common in East Asia where studying the opposition is a prerequisite for self-improvement.

TV & Media
Commentators frequently use it during sports finals or business analysis segments.
Daily Life
While less common in very casual talk, it appears when discussing career moves or school rankings.

在这次招标中,我们遇到了很多强大的竞争对手。 (In this bidding process, we encountered many powerful competitors.)

Beyond business, the word is also prevalent in the world of sports. When two top-tier athletes or teams face off repeatedly over the years, they are referred to as each other's 竞争对手. This adds a narrative of history and personal struggle to the competition. For example, in table tennis or badminton, where China has many top players, the internal matches are often described as battles between 竞争对手. Even in popular culture, such as TV dramas about legal battles or medical professionals, the word is used to define the relationship between the protagonist and their professional foil. It sets a tone of serious, high-level engagement that 'friend' or 'enemy' simply cannot capture.

One of the most frequent errors learners make is confusing 竞争对手 with the simpler term 对手 (duìshǒu). While they are often interchangeable, '对手' is more general. An opponent in a friendly game of cards is a '对手', but calling them a '竞争对手' would sound overly dramatic or formal, as if there were a professional title or a million dollars at stake. Another common mistake is using 敌人 (dírén - enemy) when 竞争对手 is intended. In a competitive but healthy business or sports environment, calling someone an 'enemy' suggests a level of hatred or a desire for their total destruction that is usually inappropriate. 竞争对手 implies a shared arena where both parties follow certain rules.

Mistake 1: Over-formalization
Using 竞争对手 for a casual playground game. Use 对手 instead.
Mistake 2: Character Confusion
Writing '竟争' instead of '竞争'. The first character should have the '立' (stand) radical at the top.

错误用法:我的弟弟是我的竞争对手。(太正式了) -> 正确:我的弟弟是我的对手。

Learners also sometimes struggle with the placement of adjectives. In English, we might say 'a competitor who is strong,' but in Chinese, the adjective must come before the noun with a '的'. So, it's always '强大的竞争对手'. Additionally, avoid using 竞争对手 as a verb. You cannot '竞争对手' someone. You must '与某人竞争' (compete with someone) or '是某人的竞争对手' (be someone's competitor). Understanding these grammatical boundaries is crucial for achieving fluency. Finally, be careful not to confuse it with 竞争者 (jìngzhēngzhě - competitor/one who competes). While very similar, 竞争者 is slightly more abstract and often used in biological or economic theories, whereas 竞争对手 feels more like a direct, personal, or corporate rival that you are actively facing.

To truly master the concept of rivalry in Chinese, one must understand the spectrum of words related to 竞争对手. Each word carries a specific nuance of intensity and context. For instance, 对手 (duìshǒu) is the most versatile and can be used for anything from a tennis match to a debate. It focuses on the 'opponent' aspect. On the other hand, 劲敌 (jìndí) literally means 'powerful enemy' but is used to describe a 'formidable rival.' This is used when the competition is particularly tough and you have a high level of respect for the other party's strength. It adds a layer of drama and intensity that the standard 竞争对手 lacks.

竞争对手 vs. 对手
竞争对手 is formal and systemic; 对手 is general and can be casual.
竞争对手 vs. 劲敌
劲敌 implies the rival is very strong and hard to beat.

他们不仅是竞争对手,更是多年的劲敌。 (They are not just competitors, but formidable rivals of many years.)

Other alternatives include 竞争者 (jìngzhēngzhě), which is often used in a more collective sense, such as 'all the competitors in the market.' There is also 死对头 (sǐduìtou), which is informal and suggests a 'bitter rival' or 'arch-nemesis,' someone you have a long-standing personal grudge against. In a business context, you might hear 同行 (tóngháng), which means 'people in the same trade.' While not inherently competitive, colleagues in the same industry are often your natural 竞争对手. Choosing the right word depends entirely on the level of formality you wish to convey and the nature of the relationship between the parties involved. Mastering these distinctions will allow you to describe complex social and professional landscapes with precision.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The character '竞' (jìng) depicts two people standing side by side, originally representing a race or a struggle to stand tall.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /dʒɪŋ dʒʌŋ dweɪ ʃoʊ/
US /dʒɪŋ dʒʌŋ dweɪ ʃoʊ/
The primary stress is on 'Jing' and 'Dui'.
Rima con
精 (jīng) 成 (chéng) 声 (shēng) 队 (duì) 味 (wèi) 手 (shǒu) 口 (kǒu) 走 (zǒu)
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing 'Jing' as 'Jean'. It should be a sharp 'J' with an 'ing' sound.
  • Misplacing the tones, especially changing the fourth tone of 'Dui' to a first tone.
  • Merging 'Zheng' and 'Dui' too quickly without the clear 'zh' sound.
  • Pronouncing 'Shou' like 'Shoe'. It should rhyme with 'go'.
  • Failing to distinguish the 'ng' ending in 'Jing' and 'Zheng'.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 3/5

The characters are somewhat complex but common in news and business.

Escritura 4/5

Writing '竞' and '争' correctly requires practice with stroke order.

Expresión oral 2/5

Pronunciation is straightforward if tones are mastered.

Escucha 2/5

Easily recognizable in professional audio contexts.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

竞争 对手 比赛

Aprende después

竞争力 市场份额 策略 垄断 博弈

Avanzado

优胜劣汰 针锋相对 势均力敌 同室操戈 百家争鸣

Gramática que debes saber

Using '是' for identification

他是我的竞争对手。

Using '的' for possession

竞争对手的策略。

Using '与...竞争' for action

我们要与竞争对手竞争。

Measure words for companies

那家竞争对手很强。

Using '面对' for situational context

面对竞争对手,我们要冷静。

Ejemplos por nivel

1

他是我的竞争对手。

He is my competitor.

Simple Subject + Verb + Object structure.

2

谁是你的竞争对手?

Who is your competitor?

Interrogative sentence using 谁 (who).

3

我们不是竞争对手。

We are not competitors.

Negative sentence using 不是 (is not).

4

我的竞争对手很强。

My competitor is very strong.

Using 很 (very) + Adjective (强).

5

他在看他的竞争对手。

He is looking at his competitor.

Present continuous action with 在 (is...ing).

6

我有三个竞争对手。

I have three competitors.

Using numbers and measure words (optional here but implied).

7

竞争对手在后面。

The competitor is behind.

Indicating location with 在...后面.

8

你的竞争对手是谁?

Your competitor is who?

Alternative question structure.

1

那家新商店是我们的竞争对手。

That new store is our competitor.

Identifying a business rival.

2

我需要了解我的竞争对手。

I need to understand my competitor.

Using the modal verb 需要 (need to).

3

虽然他是竞争对手,但他人很好。

Although he is a competitor, he is a good person.

Using the conjunction 虽然...但... (although... but...).

4

这个比赛有很多竞争对手。

There are many competitors in this competition.

Using 有 (there is/are).

5

我们必须打败竞争对手。

We must defeat the competitor.

Using the modal verb 必须 (must).

6

你的竞争对手也在这里吗?

Is your competitor also here?

Using 也 (also) and 吗 (question particle).

7

他是一个非常有力的竞争对手。

He is a very powerful competitor.

Using 有力的 (powerful) as an adjective.

8

不要担心你的竞争对手。

Don't worry about your competitor.

Imperative negative sentence with 不要 (don't).

1

为了成功,我们必须分析竞争对手的优点。

In order to succeed, we must analyze the competitor's strengths.

Using 为了 (in order to) to show purpose.

2

我们的主要竞争对手刚刚发布了新产品。

Our main competitor just released a new product.

Using 刚刚 (just) for recent actions.

3

在这次面试中,我的竞争对手非常优秀。

In this interview, my competitors were very excellent.

Contextual use in career development.

4

如果竞争对手降价,我们也得降价。

If the competitor lowers prices, we have to lower prices too.

Conditional sentence with 如果...也... (if... also...).

5

他尊重每一个竞争对手。

He respects every competitor.

Using 每一个 (every single one).

6

我们的竞争对手正在向海外扩张。

Our competitors are expanding overseas.

Using 向 (towards) to show direction.

7

只有了解竞争对手,才能赢得市场。

Only by understanding the competitor can we win the market.

Using 只有...才... (only if... then...).

8

这家公司曾是我们的竞争对手,现在是合作伙伴。

This company used to be our competitor, now they are a partner.

Contrast between past (曾是) and present (现在是).

1

面对强劲的竞争对手,我们不能掉以轻心。

Facing strong competitors, we cannot afford to be careless.

Using the idiom 掉以轻心 (to be careless).

2

竞争对手的策略对我们的销售产生了负面影响。

The competitor's strategy has had a negative impact on our sales.

Using 对...产生影响 (to have an effect on...).

3

我们应该关注潜在的竞争对手,而不仅仅是眼前的对手。

We should focus on potential competitors, not just the ones in front of us.

Using 而不仅仅是 (and not just).

4

由于缺乏创新,他们被竞争对手远远甩在后面。

Due to a lack of innovation, they were left far behind by their competitors.

Using 被 (passive marker) and 远远 (by far).

5

在激烈的竞争中,每个竞争对手都在寻找突破口。

In the fierce competition, every competitor is looking for a breakthrough.

Using 突破口 (breakthrough/opening).

6

我们需要评估竞争对手的技术实力。

We need to assess the technological strength of our competitors.

Using 评估 (assess) and 实力 (strength/power).

7

竞争对手的成功往往能给我们提供宝贵的经验。

The success of competitors often provides us with valuable experience.

Using 往往 (often) and 宝贵的 (valuable).

8

尽管竞争对手很多,我们依然保持着领先地位。

Despite many competitors, we still maintain a leading position.

Using 尽管...依然... (despite... still...).

1

在资本市场上,竞争对手之间的博弈非常复杂。

In the capital market, the game between competitors is very complex.

Using 博弈 (game theory/play).

2

我们需要从竞争对手的角度来审视自己的商业模式。

We need to examine our own business model from the perspective of our competitors.

Using 从...的角度 (from the perspective of).

3

为了遏制竞争对手的扩张,他们采取了极端的手段。

In order to curb the expansion of their competitors, they took extreme measures.

Using 遏制 (to curb/contain).

4

竞争对手的恶意收购导致了该公司的股价大幅波动。

The competitor's hostile takeover led to significant fluctuations in the company's stock price.

Using 恶意收购 (hostile takeover).

5

与其视其为竞争对手,不如将其看作是共同进步的伙伴。

Instead of viewing them as a competitor, it's better to see them as a partner for mutual progress.

Using 与其...不如... (rather than... it's better to...).

6

在全球化背景下,竞争对手的定义正在发生深刻变化。

In the context of globalization, the definition of a competitor is undergoing profound changes.

Using 深刻 (profound) and 发生变化 (undergo change).

7

我们需要警惕那些跨行业的潜在竞争对手。

We need to be wary of those potential cross-industry competitors.

Using 警惕 (to be wary/alert).

8

通过模仿竞争对手,他们迅速占领了低端市场。

By imitating competitors, they quickly occupied the low-end market.

Using 通过 (through/by means of).

1

在当今的零和博弈中,竞争对手的每一个动作都备受瞩目。

In today's zero-sum game, every move of the competitor is under intense scrutiny.

Using 零和博弈 (zero-sum game) and 备受瞩目 (highly noticed).

2

这种长期的竞争对手关系,反而促成了一种微妙的行业平衡。

This long-term rival relationship has, conversely, facilitated a subtle industry balance.

Using 反而 (on the contrary) and 微妙 (subtle).

3

他们试图通过专利诉讼来打击竞争对手的研发积极性。

They attempted to dampen the competitor's R&D enthusiasm through patent litigation.

Using 专利诉讼 (patent litigation).

4

竞争对手的倒闭并未带来预期的市场红利,反而引发了行业危机。

The collapse of the competitor did not bring the expected market dividends; instead, it triggered an industry crisis.

Using 市场红利 (market dividend) and 引发 (trigger).

5

在这一领域,我们与竞争对手的差距正在逐步缩小。

In this field, the gap between us and our competitors is gradually narrowing.

Using 差距 (gap) and 逐步 (step by step).

6

面对如此强大的竞争对手,唯有颠覆性创新方能突围。

Facing such a powerful competitor, only disruptive innovation can lead to a breakthrough.

Using 颠覆性创新 (disruptive innovation) and 唯有...方能 (only... can).

7

竞争对手之间的合纵连横,使得市场局势更加扑朔迷离。

The alliances and maneuvers between competitors have made the market situation even more complicated.

Using the historical idiom 合纵连横 (alliances and maneuvers).

8

尽管我们视其为竞争对手,但在某些标准制定上,我们必须达成共识。

Although we view them as competitors, we must reach a consensus on certain standard-setting.

Using 达成共识 (reach a consensus).

Colocaciones comunes

强劲的竞争对手
潜在的竞争对手
主要的竞争对手
打败竞争对手
分析竞争对手
尊重竞争对手
竞争对手的策略
面临竞争对手
模仿竞争对手
领先竞争对手

Frases Comunes

头号竞争对手

— The number one or most significant rival.

他是该品牌在市场上的头号竞争对手。

老牌竞争对手

— A long-standing or established rival.

这两家百年企业是老牌竞争对手了。

跨界竞争对手

— A competitor from a different industry entering your market.

互联网公司成了银行的跨界竞争对手。

直接竞争对手

— A rival offering the exact same product or service.

肯德基和麦当劳是直接竞争对手。

间接竞争对手

— A rival offering a substitute product or service.

电影院和电子游戏是间接竞争对手。

核心竞争对手

— The most critical rivals within a specific niche.

这是我们目前的核心竞争对手名单。

竞争对手调查

— Competitor research or investigation.

我们需要做一份详尽的竞争对手调查。

竞争对手动态

— The latest activities or trends of rivals.

随时关注竞争对手动态非常重要。

打压竞争对手

— To suppress or put pressure on rivals.

大公司有时会利用价格战打压竞争对手。

甩开竞争对手

— To pull far ahead of rivals.

我们希望通过这次升级甩开竞争对手。

Se confunde a menudo con

竞争对手 vs 对手

对手 is more general and can be used for casual games; 竞争对手 is more formal.

竞争对手 vs 敌人

敌人 means 'enemy' and implies hostility; 竞争对手 implies professional rivalry.

竞争对手 vs 竞争者

竞争者 is slightly more abstract/academic than 竞争对手.

Modismos y expresiones

"知己知彼"

— Know yourself and know your enemy. Often applied to understanding competitors.

所谓知己知彼,百战不殆,我们要研究竞争对手。

Formal
"棋逢对手"

— To meet one's match, like two chess players of equal skill.

这两位竞争对手真是棋逢对手。

Literary
"旗鼓相当"

— Two sides are equally matched in strength.

这两家公司的实力旗鼓相当,是长期的竞争对手。

Formal
"你死我活"

— A life-and-death struggle; cut-throat competition.

市场竞争不一定要搞得你死我活。

Informal/Dramatic
"并驾齐驱"

— To run neck and neck; to keep pace with.

在技术领域,我们与竞争对手并驾齐驱。

Formal
"后来居上"

— The latecomer surpasses the old-timer.

虽然他是新来的竞争对手,但很快就后来居上了。

Neutral
"优胜劣汰"

— Survival of the fittest.

在激烈的市场竞争中,始终遵循优胜劣汰的规律。

Academic
"势均力敌"

— Equally matched in power and influence.

这两位竞争对手势均力敌,很难预料谁会赢。

Formal
"各显神通"

— Each shows their special prowess.

在这次博览会上,各家竞争对手各显神通。

Neutral
"争先恐后"

— Striving to be first and fearing to be last.

竞争对手们争先恐后地推出了新功能。

Neutral

Fácil de confundir

竞争对手 vs 对手

They both mean rival.

竞争对手 is more formal and usually refers to long-term or professional competition.

打乒乓球时,他是我的对手。在生意上,他是我的竞争对手。

竞争对手 vs 敌人

Both are people you are against.

An enemy is someone you hate; a competitor is someone you play/work against.

他在战争中遇到了敌人,在球场上遇到了竞争对手。

竞争对手 vs 同行

People in the same industry are often rivals.

同行 just means they do the same job; they might not be directly competing.

他是我的同行,但我们不是竞争对手,因为我们在不同的城市。

竞争对手 vs 队友

Both are involved in the same activity.

队友 is on your team; 竞争对手 is on the other team.

我的队友很给力,打败了竞争对手。

竞争对手 vs 竞争者

They are nearly identical.

竞争者 is often used for a large, unnamed group (e.g., all job applicants).

这次招聘有上千名竞争者。

Patrones de oraciones

A1

Subj + 是 + 我的 + 竞争对手

他是我的竞争对手。

A2

Subj + 很 + 强

我的竞争对手很强。

B1

为了 + Goal, 我们必须 + Verb + 竞争对手

为了赢,我们必须分析竞争对手。

B2

面对 + Adj + 竞争对手, Subj + Predicate

面对强劲的竞争对手,我们要努力。

C1

与其 + A, 不如 + B

与其视其为竞争对手,不如将其看作伙伴。

C2

在...背景下, 竞争对手...

在全球化背景下,竞争对手的定义正在改变。

B1

只有...才...

只有了解竞争对手,才能成功。

A2

虽然...但是...

虽然他是竞争对手,但是他人很好。

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

竞争 (Competition)
对手 (Opponent)
竞争者 (Competitor)
竞争力 (Competitiveness)

Verbos

竞争 (To compete)
争夺 (To vie for)
斗争 (To struggle)

Adjetivos

竞争性的 (Competitive)
激烈的 (Fierce)
强劲的 (Powerful)

Relacionado

市场 (Market)
赢 (Win)
输 (Lose)
挑战 (Challenge)
策略 (Strategy)

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Extremely high in business, sports, and media.

Errores comunes
  • Using '敌人' for a business rival. 竞争对手

    In business, 'enemy' is too aggressive; 'competitor' is professional.

  • Writing '竟争' instead of '竞争'. 竞争

    The top of '竞' is '立', not '音'.

  • Using '竞争对手' as a verb. 与...竞争

    竞争对手 is a noun. You cannot say 'I competitor him'.

  • Saying '我的对手很竞争'. 我的对手很有竞争力。

    竞争 is a noun/verb, not an adjective. Use '竞争力' for 'competitive'.

  • Using '竞争对手' for a casual game of tag. 对手

    It's too formal for simple children's games.

Consejos

Break it down

Compete (竞争) + Opposite Hand (对手). It's the person whose hand you are facing in the struggle.

The 'Stand' Radical

The character '竞' has '立' at the top. Think of two people standing up to start a race.

Professionalism

Using this word in a meeting makes you sound serious and strategically minded.

Noun usage

Always treat it as a noun. You can 'have' a competitor, but you can't 'competitor' someone.

Respect

In China, acknowledging a strong competitor often shows your own strength and confidence.

Tone Accuracy

Make sure 'duì' is a sharp falling tone to avoid sounding like 'duī' (pile).

Catch the 'Jing'

When you hear 'jìng', listen for 'zhēng' to distinguish it from 'jīng' (capital/surprised).

Global Rivals

Use it when talking about international brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi.

Vs. Enemy

Use it to keep the relationship professional. Calling someone an 'enemy' is too personal.

Idiom Pairing

Pair it with '知己知彼' to sound like an advanced speaker.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Jing' as a 'Jing-le' bell for the start of a race. 'Zheng' is the 'struggle' to win. 'Dui' is your 'dual' partner, and 'Shou' is their 'hand' you shake afterward.

Asociación visual

Imagine two companies (竞争) playing a high-stakes game of rock-paper-scissors (对手).

Word Web

Market Rival Company Strategy Win Opponent Fierce Business

Desafío

Try to identify three 竞争对手 in your current industry or field of study and write a sentence about each.

Origen de la palabra

The term is a modern compound. '竞争' (jìngzhēng) appeared in late 19th-century translations of Western economic and evolutionary concepts. '对手' (duìshǒu) has older roots in martial arts and games.

Significado original: The literal meaning is 'competing opposite hand,' referring to the person facing you in a struggle.

Sino-Tibetan (Mandarin Chinese).

Contexto cultural

Avoid using this word for people you have a deep personal hatred for; '敌人' is more appropriate for enemies, while '竞争对手' is for professional rivals.

In English, 'competitor' is often purely transactional. In Chinese, '竞争对手' can feel more personal or like a designated role in one's life story.

The rivalry between Alibaba and Tencent. The historical competition between the states of Chu and Han. Modern smartphone rivalries like Huawei vs. Xiaomi.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Business Strategy

  • 市场份额
  • 价格战
  • 产品差异化
  • 核心竞争力

Sports

  • 决赛
  • 卫冕冠军
  • 黑马
  • 个人纪录

Job Hunting

  • 面试
  • 简历
  • 核心优势
  • 录用通知

International Relations

  • 贸易战
  • 外交政策
  • 地缘政治
  • 软实力

School/Education

  • 奖学金
  • 排名
  • 录取分数线
  • 三好学生

Inicios de conversación

"你觉得谁是你目前最大的竞争对手?"

"在你的行业中,竞争对手之间通常如何相处?"

"你会为了打败竞争对手而采取极端的策略吗?"

"你从你的竞争对手身上学到了什么?"

"如果没有竞争对手,你觉得你会进步得更快吗?"

Temas para diario

写一写你生命中出现过的一个竞争对手,以及你们的关系如何影响了你。

描述一下你所在行业的竞争格局,谁是主要的竞争对手?

你认为健康的竞争对手关系应该是怎样的?

如果你是一家大公司的CEO,你会如何应对一个突然出现的强劲竞争对手?

探讨一下'竞争对手'和'敌人'这两个词在你的文化中有什么区别。

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, it can be used for individuals, teams, or any entity in a competitive situation.

Only if you are being very formal or dramatic. Usually '对手' is better for siblings.

The most common opposite is '合作伙伴' (partner) or '盟友' (ally).

You say '主要竞争对手' (zhǔyào jìngzhēng duìshǒu).

Not necessarily. It is a neutral professional term. Many people respect their 竞争对手.

No, it is strictly a noun. Use '竞争' as the verb.

Use '个' for people, '位' for respected people, and '家' for companies.

It is very common in work and school contexts, less so in casual home life.

People might use '死对头' (sǐduìtou) for a bitter, long-term rival.

Yes, countries are often described as 竞争对手 in trade or technology.

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

Write a sentence using 竞争对手 to describe your relationship with a rival company.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'We must respect our competitors.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about analyzing a competitor's strategy.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'Who is your main competitor in this market?'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence using the idiom '知己知彼' and '竞争对手'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Describe a 'potential competitor' in your own words (in Chinese).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'The competition between rivals promotes innovation.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about a 'price war' with a competitor.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'He is a formidable rival.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about learning from a competitor.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'The gap between us and our competitors is narrowing.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence using '虽然...但是...' with 竞争对手.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'Don't underestimate your opponent.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about a 'direct competitor'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'Our competitors are expanding their business overseas.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about 'market share' (市场份额) and competitors.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'The two companies have been rivals for decades.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence about a 'breakthrough' (突破) against a rival.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Translate: 'Only by understanding the rival can you win.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
writing

Write a sentence using '跨界竞争对手'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Pronounce 竞争对手 clearly with correct tones.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'He is my biggest competitor.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Explain the difference between 对手 and 竞争对手.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Describe a strong competitor using the word 强劲.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'We need to analyze our competitors.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Use the idiom '棋逢对手' in a sentence.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Don't worry about the competitors.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Describe a 'potential competitor' in Chinese.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'They are our main competitors.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Tell a short story about a race with a 竞争对手.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'We should learn from them.' (Referring to rivals)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Express respect for a rival.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Market competition is very fierce.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'Who are they?' (Referring to rivals)

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Explain '知己知彼' to a friend.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'We are leading the competitors.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'There are too many competitors here.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'They lowered their prices.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Talk about a 'cross-industry rival'.

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
speaking

Say: 'I am ready to face my competitor.'

Read this aloud:

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen to the audio (simulated): '他是我们最强的竞争对手。' Who is being discussed?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: '我们要分析竞争对手的策略。' What is the action?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: '别小看你的竞争对手。' What is the warning?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: '我们的主要竞争对手来自美国。' Where are they from?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: '这家公司曾是我们的竞争对手。' Is the company still a rival?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: '竞争对手已经开始行动了。' What is happening?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: '我们尊重每一个竞争对手。' What is the attitude?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: '潜在的竞争对手正在进入市场。' Who is entering?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: '谁是你的头号竞争对手?' What is the question?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: '我们在技术上甩开了竞争对手。' What is the status?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: '面对竞争对手,我们要团结。' What should we do?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: '竞争对手的成功并不是我们的失败。' What is the philosophy?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: '只有了解竞争对手,才能赢。' What is the condition?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: '这家店的竞争对手就在隔壁。' Where is the rival?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
listening

Listen: '我们要研究竞争对手的动态。' What should be studied?

¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:
¡Correcto! No del todo. Respuesta correcta:

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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