This page in your language
فارسی العربية Deutsch Español Français 日本語 한국어 Português 中文 हिन्दी
B2 noun 11 min read

concurso

Examples concurso in 30 Seconds
Explanation concurso in your Level:
At the A1 level, you should learn 'concurso' as a simple word for a 'contest' or 'game show.' You will mostly use it to talk about things you see on TV or simple games at school. It is a masculine noun ('el concurso'). You should focus on simple sentences like 'I win the contest' (Yo gano el concurso) or 'The contest is fun' (El concurso es divertido). At this stage, don't worry about the legal or professional meanings. Just think of it as a fun event where people try to win a prize. You might hear it in basic conversations about hobbies or television. Remember to use 'en' if you want to say you are 'in' a contest: 'Estoy en un concurso.' It is a useful word for describing your interests and the activities you enjoy watching or doing. You can also use it to talk about school activities, like a drawing contest. The key is to keep it simple and associate it with prizes and fun.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the A2 level, you can start using 'concurso' with more verbs and in more specific contexts. You should know how to say 'participar en un concurso' (to participate in a contest) and 'ganar un premio en el concurso' (to win a prize in the contest). You might talk about different types of contests, such as a 'concurso de música' (music contest) or a 'concurso de cocina' (cooking contest). You can also use it to describe past events using the preterite tense: 'Ayer vi un concurso en la tele' (Yesterday I saw a contest on TV). You are starting to understand that a 'concurso' is an organized event with rules. You might also encounter the word 'concursante' (contestant). This level is about expanding your ability to describe the contest: who is participating, what the prize is, and whether it was difficult or easy. You are moving beyond just naming the event to describing your involvement or your opinion of it.
Sign up free to read full explanation
By B1, you should be comfortable using 'concurso' in a variety of social and semi-formal situations. You understand the difference between a 'concurso' (an event) and 'competencia' (the concept of competition or rivalry). You can talk about the 'bases del concurso' (the rules or terms and conditions) and the 'jurado' (the jury or judges). You might use the word to discuss more complex topics, like 'concursos de belleza' and the social debates surrounding them, or 'concursos literarios' as a way for writers to become famous. You should also be able to use the verb 'concursar' (to compete in a contest). At this level, you can express more nuanced ideas, such as 'Me presenté al concurso pero no gané' (I entered the contest but I didn't win). You are also becoming aware of the cultural importance of 'concursos' in Spanish-speaking countries, particularly in television and local festivals.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the B2 level, you need to understand the formal and professional applications of 'concurso.' This includes the 'concurso-oposición,' which is the standard way to get a government job in Spain. You should know that 'concurso' here refers to the part where your resume and merits are evaluated. You will also encounter 'concurso de acreedores,' the legal term for bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings. You should be able to use 'concurso' in business contexts, such as 'concurso público' (a public tender for a contract). Your vocabulary should include collocations like 'convocar un concurso' (to open/announce a contest) and 'fallo del concurso' (the final decision or verdict). You can discuss the fairness of a contest, using terms like 'amañado' (rigged) or 'transparente' (transparent). At B2, you are expected to handle the word in both its everyday 'fun' sense and its serious 'professional/legal' sense without confusion.
At the C1 level, you should have a sophisticated grasp of 'concurso' and its synonyms. You can distinguish between 'concurso,' 'certamen,' and 'licitación' and choose the most appropriate one for the register of your speech or writing. You understand the historical and legal nuances of the term, such as its use in administrative law. You can use the word in abstract or metaphorical ways, though this is rare. You are comfortable reading complex news articles about 'concursos de acreedores' or 'concursos de traslados' (a competitive process for government employees to change locations). You can analyze the 'pliego de condiciones' (the document outlining the requirements for a public contest). Your use of the word is precise, and you can navigate the subtle differences in meaning between different Spanish-speaking regions. You also understand the formal use of 'concurso' to mean 'aid' or 'cooperation' (e.g., 'con el concurso de todos'), even if you don't use it frequently yourself.
Sign up free to read full explanation
At the C2 level, you possess a near-native understanding of 'concurso.' You can use it in all its technical, legal, and literary dimensions. You are aware of the etymological roots (from Latin 'concursus') and how that history informs its current varied meanings—from a 'running together' of people to a 'running together' of creditors. You can participate in high-level debates about the ethics of 'concursos públicos' or the effectiveness of the 'concurso-oposición' system. You understand the nuances of the 'ley concursal' (bankruptcy law). In your writing, you can use 'concurso' with absolute precision, choosing it over 'certamen' or 'torneo' to convey exactly the right level of formality and the specific nature of the competition. You are also familiar with archaic or highly literary uses where 'concurso' means the simultaneous occurrence of events or the gathering of a crowd. Your command of the word is such that you can use it effortlessly in any context, from a casual chat about a TV show to a formal legal presentation.
Sign up free to read full explanation
Examples

concurso in 30 Seconds

  • A 'concurso' is an organized contest or competition for prizes or jobs.
  • It is a masculine noun used with 'el' and 'un'.
  • Common types include TV game shows, talent contests, and public job exams.
  • In law, it refers to bankruptcy proceedings (concurso de acreedores).

The Spanish word concurso is a versatile and essential noun that every intermediate learner should master. At its core, it refers to a situation where multiple parties strive for a prize, a position, or recognition. While the most direct English translation is often "contest" or "competition," the scope of concurso in Spanish-speaking cultures is significantly broader than its English counterparts. It encompasses everything from a simple primary school drawing competition to the complex legal proceedings of a corporate bankruptcy. Understanding concurso requires looking beyond the surface-level definition and exploring how it integrates into the social, legal, and academic fabric of Spanish society.

Television and Entertainment
In the world of media, a concurso de televisión is a game show or a reality competition. Programs like 'Pasapalabra' or 'Saber y Ganar' are cultural staples in Spain, where contestants demonstrate their knowledge or skills to win prizes. Here, the word implies a structured event with clear rules and a definitive winner.

Ella ganó el primer premio en el concurso de talentos del barrio.

Public Administration and Employment
Perhaps the most distinct use for English speakers is the concurso-oposición. In many Spanish-speaking countries, public sector jobs (like teaching or nursing) are awarded through a competitive process. A concurso in this context refers to the evaluation of a candidate's merits (experience, degrees, publications), whereas the oposición refers to the exams themselves. Winning a concurso here means securing a lifelong career.

El ayuntamiento ha convocado un concurso para el diseño del nuevo parque municipal.

Arts and Literature
A concurso literario is a common way for new authors to get published. These are highly formal competitions where manuscripts are submitted anonymously. The prestige of winning such a concurso is often worth more than the monetary prize itself.

Culturally, the concept of the concurso reflects a societal value on meritocracy and public display of skill. Whether it is a concurso de belleza (beauty pageant) or a concurso de cocina (cooking contest), the term suggests a public arena where excellence is judged. It is also worth noting that concurso can mean 'aid' or 'cooperation' in very formal or archaic contexts (e.g., 'con el concurso de las autoridades'), though this is much less common in daily speech. To master this word, you must visualize the 'crowd' (from the Latin concursus—a running together) gathering to witness or participate in a decisive event. It is a word of movement, ambition, and community evaluation.

Participar en este concurso requiere mucha preparación y dedicación constante.

La empresa entró en concurso de acreedores tras la crisis financiera del año pasado.

¿Has visto el concurso de baile en la televisión anoche?

Using concurso correctly involves knowing which verbs and prepositions naturally pair with it. Since it is a masculine noun, it always takes the articles el, un, los, or unos. The most common verb used with concurso is participar, which always requires the preposition en. Unlike in English where you 'enter a contest,' in Spanish, you 'participate in a contest.'

Common Verb Pairings
Verbs like ganar (to win), perder (to lose), organizar (to organize), and convocar (to announce/call for) are frequently used. Convocar is particularly important in professional contexts, as it refers to the official announcement that a competition is open for entries.

El colegio decidió convocar un concurso de poesía para celebrar el día del libro.

Specifying the Type of Contest
To describe what the contest is about, use the preposition de. For example, concurso de fotografía (photography contest), concurso de cocina (cooking contest), or concurso de dibujo (drawing contest). If the contest is for a specific group, use para, as in concurso para jóvenes (contest for youth).

No me atrevo a participar en el concurso de canto porque soy muy tímido.

Describing the Outcome
Adjectives often follow concurso to indicate its scale or status. A concurso nacional is nationwide, while a concurso amañado is a rigged contest. If someone is disqualified, we say they were descalificados del concurso.

In more complex sentences, concurso often acts as the subject that 'takes place' (tener lugar) or 'is held' (celebrarse). For example: "El concurso se celebrará en el auditorio principal." This passive-reflexive structure is very common in official announcements. Another advanced usage involves the phrase por concurso, which describes how a position was filled: "Obtuvo la plaza por concurso de méritos," meaning they got the job based on a competitive evaluation of their qualifications rather than an exam or personal connection. This highlights the word's connection to fairness and systematic evaluation.

Miles de personas se inscribieron en el concurso para ganar el coche nuevo.

El jurado del concurso todavía no ha anunciado al ganador oficial.

¿Cuáles son las bases del concurso que publicó la revista?

If you spend any time in a Spanish-speaking environment, concurso will be part of your daily auditory landscape. From the morning news to casual conversations at a café, the word pops up in surprisingly varied contexts. In Spain, the television culture is heavily built around the concurso. You will hear people discussing the 'concursantes' (contestants) of their favorite shows with the same fervor Americans might discuss sports teams. This makes concurso a key word for social integration.

In the Educational System
Schools frequently use concursos to motivate students. You'll hear teachers talk about a concurso de ortografía (spelling bee) or a concurso de ciencias (science fair). Unlike the English 'fair,' which suggests an exhibition, concurso emphasizes the competitive nature of the event.

Mañana anuncian los resultados del concurso de matemáticas en el instituto.

In the Business World
In professional settings, concurso is heard when discussing government contracts. A company might say, "Estamos preparando la documentación para el concurso público." This refers to the competitive bidding process. Hearing this word in a business meeting usually signifies a high-stakes opportunity for growth or a formal legal requirement.

La constructora ganó el concurso para construir la nueva línea de metro.

Legal and Financial News
On the news, you will frequently hear about companies entering concurso de acreedores. For a long time, this was called 'quiebra' (bankruptcy), but the legal terminology shifted to 'concurso' to emphasize the process of creditors coming together to reach an agreement. If you hear this on a financial podcast, it indicates a company in distress.

Finally, you'll hear it in the context of town festivals (fiestas patronales). Many towns hold concursos de paellas, concursos de disfraces (costume contests), or concursos de fotografía local. In these settings, the word carries a sense of community pride and festive rivalry. Whether it's the high-stakes 'concurso-oposición' for a government job or the lighthearted 'concurso de tapas' at a local bar, the word is a bridge between the formal structures of society and the informal joy of community competition. Pay attention to how the tone of the speaker changes: serious for legal 'concursos', excited for TV 'concursos', and official for administrative 'concursos'.

¿Te has apuntado ya al concurso de disfraces de Carnaval?

El concurso de acreedores evitó que la tienda cerrara definitivamente.

Even advanced learners can stumble when using concurso because of its overlapping meanings with other words like competencia, carrera, and certamen. The most frequent error is using 'concurso' to translate the English 'competition' in a general sense. While they are related, they are not always interchangeable.

Concurso vs. Competencia
In English, 'competition' can refer to the abstract concept of competing (e.g., "Competition is good for the economy"). In Spanish, this is competencia. A concurso is a specific, organized event. You wouldn't say "El concurso es bueno para la economía" unless you were referring to a specific contest. Use concurso for events and competencia for the concept or the rival companies in a market.

Incorrect: Hay mucha concurso entre estas dos empresas.
Correct: Hay mucha competencia entre estas dos empresas.

Preposition Pitfalls
Learners often try to use 'a' or 'en el' incorrectly. Remember: participar en un concurso. Avoid saying "entrar a un concurso" which sounds like a literal translation of "enter a contest." While understandable, it lacks the native flow of inscribirse (to sign up) or participar.

Incorrect: Me inscribí a el concurso.
Correct: Me inscribí en el concurso.

Confusion with 'Carrera'
In sports, a race is a carrera, not a concurso. You wouldn't say "concurso de 100 metros." A concurso usually involves subjective judging (like a beauty pageant) or objective scoring (like a quiz), whereas a carrera is based on speed and time. A torneo is better for multi-match sports like tennis or chess.

Another mistake involves the pluralization of compound terms. As mentioned before, in concurso-oposición, only the first word becomes plural. Saying "concursos-oposiciones" is a common hyper-correction. Finally, be careful with the English word "contest." While concurso is the best translation for a game or prize, if you mean "to contest a decision," you should use impugnar or disputar. The verb concursar exists, but it only means to take part in a contest, never to challenge something. Keeping these distinctions in mind will help you sound much more like a native speaker and avoid the 'Spanglish' traps that many students fall into.

El atleta no participa en un concurso, participa en una carrera de obstáculos.

No confundas el concurso (el evento) con la competencia (la rivalidad).

Spanish is rich with synonyms for competition, each with its own specific nuance. Choosing the right one can elevate your Spanish from functional to sophisticated. While concurso is the most common all-purpose word for an organized prize-winning event, you should consider these alternatives depending on the context.

Certamen
A certamen is more formal and prestigious than a concurso. It is almost exclusively used for literary, artistic, or scientific competitions. You would speak of a certamen de poesía but rarely a certamen de comer perritos calientes (hot dog eating contest). It implies a higher level of cultural or intellectual weight.

El certamen internacional de cine premió a la mejor directora novel.

Torneo and Campeonato
These are the go-to words for sports. A torneo usually suggests a knockout format (like a tennis tournament), while a campeonato implies a season-long or major event to determine a 'campeón' (champion). While you can have a concurso de triples in basketball, the overall event is a torneo.

Ganar el campeonato del mundo es el sueño de todo futbolista.

Oposición
As discussed, this is a very specific type of concurso. If the goal is a government job involving an exam, always use oposición. Using concurso alone might imply you are only being judged on your CV (merits) rather than a test.

Finally, consider licitación for business contexts. While concurso público is common, a licitación is the more technical term for a public tender or bid. If you are translating professional documents, licitación provides a more precise business register. In summary, while concurso is your reliable 'Swiss Army knife' word, knowing when to deploy certamen for prestige, torneo for sports, or licitación for business will make your Spanish sound authentic and precise. Each word maps to a different 'flavor' of competition, from the festive to the professional.

La licitación para el servicio de limpieza se abrirá el próximo lunes.

Prefiero los concursos de la tele porque son más divertidos que las oposiciones.

Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

El concurso es mañana.

The contest is tomorrow.

Simple present tense with 'ser'.

2

Me gusta este concurso de la tele.

I like this TV game show.

Use of 'gustar' with the noun 'concurso'.

3

¿Quién gana el concurso?

Who wins the contest?

Interrogative sentence with the verb 'ganar'.

4

Es un concurso de dibujo.

It is a drawing contest.

Using 'de' to specify the type of contest.

5

Yo participo en el concurso.

I participate in the contest.

Verb 'participar' followed by the preposition 'en'.

6

El premio del concurso es un libro.

The contest prize is a book.

Possessive 'del' (de + el).

7

Hay muchos niños en el concurso.

There are many children in the contest.

Using 'hay' for existence.

8

Mi amigo está en el concurso.

My friend is in the contest.

Using 'estar' for location/participation.

1

Ayer gané un concurso de fotografía.

Yesterday I won a photography contest.

Preterite tense of 'ganar'.

2

Queremos organizar un concurso de cocina.

We want to organize a cooking contest.

Infinitive 'organizar' after 'querer'.

3

Los concursantes están muy nerviosos.

The contestants are very nervous.

Related noun 'concursante' (contestant).

4

No me gusta perder en los concursos.

I don't like losing in contests.

Plural form 'concursos'.

5

El concurso de baile empieza a las ocho.

The dance contest starts at eight.

Verb 'empezar' with a specific time.

6

Ella se inscribió en el concurso de canto.

She signed up for the singing contest.

Reflexive verb 'inscribirse' with 'en'.

7

Mi hermano fue el finalista del concurso.

My brother was the finalist of the contest.

Noun 'finalista' in relation to the contest.

8

Este es el concurso más difícil del año.

This is the most difficult contest of the year.

Superlative construction.

1

El jurado todavía no ha decidido el ganador del concurso.

The jury has not yet decided the winner of the contest.

Present perfect tense.

2

Debes leer las bases del concurso antes de participar.

You must read the contest rules before participating.

Term 'bases del concurso' (rules/terms).

3

El concurso literario recibió más de cien poemas.

The literary contest received more than one hundred poems.

Adjective 'literario' modifying 'concurso'.

4

Me presenté al concurso, pero no pasé a la final.

I entered the contest, but I didn't make it to the final.

Verb 'presentarse a' (to enter/apply for).

5

El premio principal del concurso es un viaje a París.

The main prize of the contest is a trip to Paris.

Compound noun phrase.

6

Fue un concurso muy reñido hasta el último momento.

It was a very close contest until the last moment.

Adjective 'reñido' (closely contested).

7

Muchos jóvenes sueñan con ganar un concurso de talentos.

Many young people dream of winning a talent show.

Verb 'soñar con' followed by infinitive.

8

El ayuntamiento patrocina el concurso de pintura rápida.

The city council sponsors the quick painting contest.

Verb 'patrocinar' (to sponsor).

1

La empresa se declaró en concurso de acreedores.

The company declared bankruptcy (insolvency proceedings).

Technical legal term 'concurso de acreedores'.

2

He aprobado el examen, pero ahora falta la fase de concurso.

I passed the exam, but now the merit-evaluation phase is left.

Context of 'concurso-oposición' (public job exams).

3

El gobierno ha convocado un concurso público para la obra.

The government has announced a public tender for the project.

Collocation 'convocar un concurso público'.

4

Se sospecha que el concurso de belleza estaba amañado.

It is suspected that the beauty pageant was rigged.

Passive 'se sospecha' and adjective 'amañado'.

5

El fallo del concurso se hará público el viernes.

The contest verdict will be made public on Friday.

Noun 'fallo' meaning verdict/decision.

6

Obtuvo la plaza de profesor por concurso de méritos.

He got the teaching position through a merit-based competition.

Phrase 'concurso de méritos'.

7

La licitación se resolvió mediante un concurso abierto.

The tender was resolved through an open contest.

Use of 'mediante' (by means of).

8

El arquitecto presentó su proyecto al concurso internacional.

The architect submitted his project to the international competition.

Verb 'presentar' (to submit).

1

La transparencia del concurso fue cuestionada por la oposición.

The transparency of the contest was questioned by the opposition.

Abstract noun 'transparencia'.

2

El pliego de condiciones del concurso es extremadamente riguroso.

The contest's specifications document is extremely rigorous.

Technical term 'pliego de condiciones'.

3

La administración debe velar por la igualdad en todo concurso público.

The administration must ensure equality in every public tender.

Verb 'velar por' (to watch over/ensure).

4

Se produjo un concurso de delitos en la actuación del acusado.

There was a concurrence of crimes in the defendant's actions.

Legal term 'concurso de delitos' (multiple crimes).

5

El concurso de traslados permite a los funcionarios cambiar de ciudad.

The transfer competition allows civil servants to change cities.

Specific administrative term 'concurso de traslados'.

6

La obra fue premiada en el prestigioso certamen, superando al concurso habitual.

The work was awarded in the prestigious competition, surpassing the usual contest.

Contrast between 'certamen' and 'concurso'.

7

Sin el concurso de la suerte, difícilmente habríamos ganado.

Without the aid of luck, we would have hardly won.

Formal/Archaic use of 'concurso' meaning 'aid/cooperation'.

8

El administrador concursal gestionará los bienes de la empresa.

The bankruptcy administrator will manage the company's assets.

Adjective form 'concursal'.

1

El debate se centró en la idoneidad del sistema de concurso-oposición.

The debate focused on the suitability of the merit-and-exam system.

Noun 'idoneidad' (suitability).

2

La concurrencia de factores externos vició el resultado del concurso.

The combination of external factors tainted the contest result.

Related noun 'concurrencia' (concurrence/combination).

3

Se impugnó el concurso por defectos de forma en la convocatoria.

The contest was contested due to formal defects in the announcement.

Verb 'impugnar' (to contest/challenge legally).

4

La ley concursal busca proteger los derechos de todos los acreedores.

The insolvency law seeks to protect the rights of all creditors.

Reference to 'Ley Concursal'.

5

Hubo un gran concurso de gente en la plaza para ver el espectáculo.

There was a great gathering of people in the square to see the show.

Literary use of 'concurso' meaning 'gathering/crowd'.

6

La resolución del concurso fue un hito en la jurisprudencia administrativa.

The contest resolution was a milestone in administrative case law.

Term 'jurisprudencia' (case law).

7

El concurso real de delitos implica penas más severas para el reo.

The actual concurrence of crimes implies more severe penalties for the culprit.

Technical legal term 'concurso real'.

8

La empresa logró eludir el concurso gracias a una inyección de capital.

The company managed to avoid bankruptcy thanks to a capital injection.

Verb 'eludir' (to avoid/evade).

Common Collocations

ganar un concurso
perder un concurso
convocar un concurso
concurso de acreedores
concurso de belleza
concurso literario
Sign up free to see all examples

Related Content

This Word in Other Languages

concurso Portuguese
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!