争夺 in 30 Seconds
- Verb meaning to contend for, struggle for, or compete intensely.
- Implies rivalry for limited resources, positions, or prizes.
- Used in contexts of conflict, competition, and strong desire.
- More intense than 'compete'; implies active vying.
The Chinese verb 争夺 (zhēngduó) means to contend for, struggle for, or compete for something. It implies a situation where multiple parties are actively vying for a limited resource, position, or prize. This word is commonly used in contexts involving competition, conflict, or a strong desire to obtain something that is not easily available.
- Core Meaning
- To fight for, to contest, to vie for, to scramble for.
- Usage Scenarios
- It's used when there's a sense of rivalry, often over tangible things like resources, land, or wealth, but also over intangible things like power, attention, or even abstract concepts. The key element is that the outcome is not guaranteed, and there's active effort involved in trying to win.
Two companies are fiercely 争夺 the market share. 争夺.
Think of it as a more intense form of competition, often with higher stakes. It can describe anything from animals fighting over food to nations in conflict over territory, or even children vying for their parents' attention. The word carries a sense of urgency and determination.
- Nuance
- While it can refer to verbal arguments or debates, it more strongly implies a physical or strategic struggle. It's not just about wanting something, but actively trying to get it, often at the expense of others.
Children often 争夺 the same toy. 争夺.
It's a versatile verb that can be applied to a wide range of situations, from intense political battles to everyday sibling rivalries. The underlying concept is always a struggle for something valuable.
- Figurative Use
- Beyond physical contests, 争夺 can also describe the struggle for influence, attention, or even abstract goals. For example, two authors might 争夺 literary awards, or political factions might 争夺 public opinion.
The two candidates are 争夺 the votes of undecided voters. 争夺.
Using 争夺 (zhēngduó) correctly involves understanding its grammatical function as a transitive verb, meaning it typically takes an object. The structure is generally Subject + 争夺 + Object.
- Basic Sentence Structure
- The most straightforward way to use 争夺 is to indicate who is competing and what they are competing for. For instance, 他们正在争夺冠军 (Tāmen zhèngzài zhēngduó guànjūn) means 'They are competing for the championship.' Here, '他们' (they) is the subject, and '冠军' (championship) is the object.
The two teams will 争夺 the trophy. 争夺.
You can also specify the participants more directly. For example, 两家公司争夺市场份额 (Liǎng jiā gōngsī zhēngduó shìchǎng fèn'é) translates to 'Two companies are competing for market share.' This highlights the competitive nature between entities.
- Adding Intensity and Context
- Adverbs can be added to emphasize the intensity of the struggle. Words like 激烈 (jīliè - fiercely) or 残酷 (cánkù - cruelly) can precede 争夺 to describe the nature of the competition. For example, 他们激烈地争夺着胜利 (Tāmen jīliè de zhēngduó zhe shènglì) means 'They are fiercely competing for victory.' The particle '着 (zhe)' indicates an ongoing action.
The children were 争夺 the last cookie. 争夺.
The verb can also be used in more abstract situations. For instance, 艺术家们争夺着灵感 (Yìshùjiāmen zhēngduó zhe línggǎn) means 'Artists are vying for inspiration.' This shows that 争夺 isn't limited to material possessions.
- Using with '为 (wèi)'
- Sometimes, 争夺 is used with the preposition '为 (wèi)' to indicate 'for the sake of' or 'to fight for a cause'. For example, 士兵们为国家荣誉而争夺 (Shìbīngmen wèi guójiā róngyù ér zhēngduó) means 'Soldiers fight for national honor.' Here, '而 (ér)' connects the purpose to the action.
The siblings will 争夺 the inheritance. 争夺.
In summary, 争夺 is a dynamic verb that can be used in various sentence structures to describe competition and struggle. Its meaning is often enhanced by adverbs or prepositions, making it a rich word for expressing conflict and rivalry.
You'll encounter the word 争夺 (zhēngduó) frequently in various real-life scenarios and media, reflecting its broad applicability to situations involving competition and conflict.
- News and Current Events
- News reports often use 争夺 to describe political campaigns, economic rivalries, and international disputes. For example, you might hear about countries 争夺 resources, or political parties 争夺 votes. Headlines could read: 'Nations 争夺 Arctic claims' or 'Candidates 争夺 undecided voters in crucial election.'
The news reported on the countries 争夺 the fishing rights. 争夺.
In business news, it's common to see phrases like 'Tech giants 争夺 market leadership' or 'Companies 争夺 talented employees.' This highlights the competitive landscape of the corporate world.
- Sports Commentary
- Sports are a prime area for 争夺. Commentators will talk about teams 争夺 championships, players 争夺 individual awards, or nations 争夺 Olympic medals. A common phrase might be, 'The two finalists are fiercely 争夺 the championship title.'
Fans watched the athletes 争夺 gold medals. 争夺.
Even in less formal sports discussions, like friends talking about a game, you might hear, 'They were really 争夺 possession of the ball in the second half.'
- Literature and Storytelling
- In novels, dramas, and films, 争夺 is used to depict conflicts between characters, rivalries for power, love, or resources. A plot might revolve around siblings 争夺 an inheritance, or rival kingdoms 争夺 territory. This adds dramatic tension to narratives.
The story was about two knights 争夺 the princess's hand. 争夺.
In everyday conversations, you might hear people talk about 争夺 parking spots, 争夺 the last piece of cake, or even children 争夺 toys. It's a word that captures a common human experience of wanting something that others also desire.
Learners of Chinese sometimes make mistakes when using 争夺 (zhēngduó), often stemming from confusing it with similar verbs or misinterpreting its nuance. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid.
- Confusing with '竞争 (jìngzhēng)'
- A frequent error is to use 争夺 interchangeably with 竞争 (jìngzhēng), which means 'to compete'. While both involve competition, 争夺 implies a more direct, often aggressive or intense struggle, whereas 竞争 can refer to a more general, less confrontational competition. For example, two companies might 竞争 for market share in a healthy way, but if they engage in aggressive tactics or price wars, they are 争夺ing it. Using 争夺 when the situation is merely competitive and not a struggle can sound overly dramatic.
Incorrect: 两个朋友在竞争一部电影的票。(Two friends are competing for movie tickets.) Correct: 两个朋友在争夺一部电影的票。(Two friends are contending for movie tickets.)
- Overuse in Mild Situations
- Another mistake is using 争夺 for very mild or casual competition. For instance, saying children are 争夺ing a toy might be appropriate if they are physically pulling it, but if they are simply waiting for their turn, 竞争 or even just playing together is more suitable. 争夺 implies a level of effort and potential conflict that isn't present in all competitive scenarios.
Incorrect: 我们在争夺最好的座位。(We are struggling for the best seats.) Correct: 我们在竞争最好的座位。(We are competing for the best seats.)
- Incorrect Object Usage
- Sometimes learners might struggle with what can be the object of 争夺. While it can be abstract things like 'attention' or 'power', it's primarily used for things that are scarce or highly desired. Using it for something readily available or non-contestable would be incorrect. For example, you wouldn't say people 争夺 air; you might say they 竞争 for clean air in polluted areas.
Incorrect: 学生们争夺知识。(Students struggle for knowledge.) Correct: 学生们追求知识。(Students pursue knowledge.)
Understanding the nuance between 争夺 and similar words like 竞争 is key. Always consider the context and the degree of conflict or struggle involved before choosing 争夺.
The Chinese language offers several words to express competition and struggle, each with its own subtle differences. Understanding these alternatives helps in choosing the most precise word for a given context. Here's a comparison of 争夺 (zhēngduó) with similar terms.
- 争夺 (zhēngduó) vs. 竞争 (jìngzhēng)
- 争夺: Implies a more direct, often aggressive or intense struggle for a limited resource. It suggests a higher degree of conflict and active vying, sometimes with a sense of desperation.
竞争: A more general term for competition. It can refer to a healthy rivalry, a contest where multiple parties strive for success, or simply the act of competing. It doesn't necessarily imply aggression or a zero-sum game.
Example Comparison:
Two companies might 竞争 for market share (healthy competition). If they engage in price wars and aggressive advertising, they are 争夺 market share (intense struggle).
- 争夺 (zhēngduó) vs. 抢夺 (qiǎngduó)
- 争夺: As discussed, a struggle or contention, often with strategic effort involved.
抢夺: Literally means 'to snatch' or 'to grab.' It implies a more forceful, often illegal or unethical, act of taking something away from someone else. It's more about immediate seizure than a prolonged contest.
Example Comparison:
Children might 争夺 a toy (they both want it and are trying to get it). Someone might 抢夺 a wallet from a passerby (a forceful theft).
- 争夺 (zhēngduó) vs. 争抢 (zhēngqiǎng)
- 争夺: A general term for struggle or contention.
争抢: Often used to describe a situation where multiple people are eagerly trying to get something, especially when it's being distributed or offered. It has a sense of urgency and eagerness, often in a less formal or less serious context than 争夺.
Example Comparison:
During a sale, people might 争抢 for discounted items (eagerly grabbing). Politicians might 争夺 for votes (a more strategic and intense struggle).
- 争夺 (zhēngduó) vs. 争斗 (zhēngdòu)
- 争夺: Contention for a specific object or goal.
争斗: Refers more broadly to conflict, fighting, or strife between groups or individuals. It can be physical or verbal, and doesn't necessarily have a specific object of contention in the same way 争夺 does.
Example Comparison:
Two factions might 争夺 control of a city (specific goal). Different ethnic groups might engage in 争斗 (broader conflict).
Mastering these distinctions will allow for more nuanced and accurate expression in Chinese. 争夺 is best reserved for situations where there is a clear object of contention and a significant degree of effort and rivalry involved.
How Formal Is It?
Fun Fact
The character 争 (zhēng) itself depicts two people pulling on a bowstring, symbolizing contention and conflict. The character 夺 (duó) originally depicted a hand reaching out to take something, often from a bird's nest, representing seizing or capturing.
Pronunciation Guide
- Pronouncing 'zh' as 'z' or 'j'.
- Incorrectly pronouncing the tones, especially the falling tone on 'zhēng' and the rising tone on 'duó'.
- Not distinguishing the 'eng' sound clearly.
Difficulty Rating
CEFR B2 level. Understanding 争夺 requires recognizing its meaning of intense struggle or competition, differentiating it from simpler words like 'compete'. Context is crucial for grasping the nuances.
Using 争夺 appropriately in writing demands an understanding of its intensity and typical collocations. Learners need to ensure the situation warrants such a strong verb.
Speaking with 争夺 requires confidence in conveying the sense of struggle. It's a useful word for adding emphasis and descriptive power to conversations about competition.
Recognizing 争夺 in spoken Chinese helps identify situations of conflict, rivalry, or significant competition.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Verb-Object structure in Chinese.
Subject + Verb + Object. For 争夺, the object is what is being contended for. Example: 孩子们争夺玩具。(Children contend for toys.)
Use of adverbs to modify verbs.
Adverbs like 激烈 (jīliè - fiercely) can precede 争夺 to describe the manner of contention. Example: 双方激烈地争夺冠军。(Both sides fiercely contend for the championship.)
Continuous action marker '着 (zhe)'.
Used to indicate an ongoing struggle. Example: 他们争夺着那个机会。(They are contending for that opportunity.)
Preposition '为 (wèi)' for purpose.
Used to indicate what one is contending for, often with '而 (ér)'. Example: 战士们为自由而争夺。(Soldiers contend for freedom.)
Nominalization with '的 (de)' or context.
Sometimes 争夺 can function like a noun phrase in context. Example: 争夺很激烈。(The contention is very fierce.)
Examples by Level
孩子们在争夺玩具。
Children are competing for toys.
Basic sentence structure: Subject + 争夺 + Object.
他争夺第一个吃。
He vied to be the first to eat.
Indicates desire for priority.
小狗在争夺骨头。
The puppy is fighting for the bone.
Simple animal behavior.
他们争夺座位。
They vied for seats.
Common situation.
她争夺我的注意。
She vied for my attention.
Abstract object of contention.
两只猫争夺食物。
Two cats are fighting over food.
Animal rivalry.
他争夺领先。
He vied for the lead.
Sports context.
孩子们争夺糖果。
The children are fighting over candy.
Common scenario with children.
两家公司正在激烈争夺市场份额。
The two companies are fiercely competing for market share.
'激烈 (jīliè)' adds intensity. '市场份额 (shìchǎng fèn'é)' is 'market share'.
他努力争夺这个职位。
He is striving to contend for this position.
'努力 (nǔlì)' means 'to strive' or 'to make an effort'.
在比赛中，运动员们争夺荣誉。
In the competition, the athletes vied for honor.
'荣誉 (róngyù)' means 'honor'.
他们争夺着最后的座位。
They were scrambling for the last seat.
The particle '着 (zhe)' indicates an ongoing action.
这块土地是两国争夺的焦点。
This piece of land is the focus of contention between the two countries.
'焦点 (jiāodiǎn)' means 'focus'.
孩子们争夺着第一个玩新玩具。
The children were vying to be the first to play with the new toy.
Emphasizes eagerness and priority.
她争夺了所有的注意力。
She vied for all the attention.
Abstract object: attention.
这场辩论非常激烈，双方都在争夺话语权。
This debate was very intense, with both sides vying for the right to speak.
'话语权 (huàyǔ quán)' means 'right to speak' or 'discourse power'.
为了争夺有限的资源，他们不得不采取极端措施。
To contend for limited resources, they had to take extreme measures.
'有限的资源 (yǒuxiàn de zīyuán)' means 'limited resources'. '极端措施 (jíduān cuòshī)' means 'extreme measures'.
这家初创公司正在努力争夺投资者的青睐。
This startup is working hard to win the favor of investors.
'初创公司 (chūchuàng gōngsī)' is 'startup company'. '投资者的青睐 (tóuzīzhě de qīnglài)' is 'investors' favor'.
在权力斗争中，每个人都在争夺更高的职位。
In the power struggle, everyone was vying for a higher position.
'权力斗争 (quánlì dòuzhēng)' means 'power struggle'.
这场战争主要是为了争夺战略要地。
This war was mainly to contend for strategic strongholds.
'战略要地 (zhànlüè yàodì)' means 'strategic strongholds'.
艺术家们争夺着在国际艺术展上展示作品的机会。
Artists vied for the opportunity to exhibit their works at the international art exhibition.
'艺术展 (yìshù zhǎn)' is 'art exhibition'.
为了争夺观众的眼球，媒体公司推出了各种各样的节目。
To vie for the audience's eyeballs, media companies launched all sorts of programs.
'眼球 (yǎnqiú)' literally means 'eyeball', used metaphorically for attention.
他辞职的原因是公司内部的激烈争夺。
The reason for his resignation was the fierce competition within the company.
Here '争夺' is used as a noun phrase implicitly.
他们争夺着发言权，试图表达自己的观点。
They contended for the right to speak, trying to express their views.
'发言权 (fāyán quán)' means 'right to speak'.
在高度饱和的市场中，企业必须不断创新以争夺消费者。
In a highly saturated market, companies must constantly innovate to contend for consumers.
'高度饱和的市场 (gāodù bǎohé de shìchǎng)' means 'highly saturated market'. '创新 (chuàngxīn)' means 'innovate'.
这场政治角力旨在争夺民心和选票。
This political struggle aims to vie for public support and votes.
'政治角力 (zhèngzhì juélì)' means 'political struggle'. '民心 (mínxīn)' means 'public support'.
历史上有无数的战争是为了争夺稀缺的自然资源而爆发的。
Countless wars in history have erupted to contend for scarce natural resources.
'稀缺的自然资源 (xīquē de zìrán zīyuán)' means 'scarce natural resources'.
他以非凡的毅力争夺到了这个来之不易的冠军。
With extraordinary perseverance, he contended for and won this hard-earned championship.
'非凡的毅力 (fēifán de yìlì)' means 'extraordinary perseverance'. '来之不易 (lái zhī bù yì)' means 'hard-earned'.
在信息爆炸的时代，争夺注意力成为了一种重要的挑战。
In the era of information explosion, vying for attention has become a significant challenge.
'信息爆炸 (xìnxī bàozhà)' means 'information explosion'.
该地区因其丰富的矿产资源而成为周边国家争夺的对象。
The region, due to its rich mineral resources, has become an object of contention for neighboring countries.
'矿产资源 (kuàngchǎn zīyuán)' means 'mineral resources'. '对象 (duìxiàng)' means 'object'.
他用尽浑身解数，只为争夺那份宝贵的晋升机会。
He used all his tricks and skills, just to contend for that precious promotion opportunity.
'用尽浑身解数 (yòng jìn húnshēn jiěshù)' means 'to use all one's tricks and skills'. '晋升机会 (jìnshēng jīhuì)' means 'promotion opportunity'.
两支队伍在最后几秒钟内争夺着制胜一球。
The two teams contended for the winning goal in the final seconds.
Common in sports commentary.
在后殖民时代，许多国家仍在争夺文化自主权和经济独立。
In the post-colonial era, many nations are still contending for cultural autonomy and economic independence.
'后殖民时代 (hòu zhímín shídài)' means 'post-colonial era'. '文化自主权 (wénhuà zìzhǔ quán)' means 'cultural autonomy'.
企业间的无序竞争演变成了对市场主导地位的残酷争夺。
The disorderly competition between enterprises has escalated into a brutal struggle for market dominance.
'无序竞争 (wúxù jìngzhēng)' means 'disorderly competition'. '市场主导地位 (shìchǎng zhǔdǎo dìwèi)' means 'market dominance'.
为了争夺科学研究的领先地位，各国投入了巨额资金。
To vie for leadership in scientific research, countries have invested enormous amounts of funding.
'科学研究 (kēxué yánjiū)' means 'scientific research'.
他凭借其卓越的才华和不懈的努力，在人才济济的行业中脱颖而出，争夺到了关键职位。
Leveraging his exceptional talent and relentless effort, he stood out in a talent-rich industry and contended for a key position.
'人才济济 (réncái jǐjǐ)' means 'talent-rich'. '脱颖而出 (tuōyǐng ér chū)' means 'to stand out'.
在历史的长河中，不同文明之间关于思想和信仰的争夺从未停止。
Throughout the long river of history, the struggle for ideas and beliefs between different civilizations has never ceased.
'思想和信仰 (sīxiǎng hé xìnyǎng)' means 'ideas and beliefs'.
该地区的动荡局势源于多方势力为了争夺控制权而进行的复杂博弈。
The unstable situation in the region stems from a complex game played by multiple forces vying for control.
'动荡局势 (dòngdàng júshì)' means 'unstable situation'. '复杂博弈 (fùzá bóyì)' means 'complex game/play'.
在数字时代，内容创作者面临着前所未有的挑战，需要不断争夺用户的碎片化注意力。
In the digital age, content creators face unprecedented challenges, needing to constantly vie for users' fragmented attention.
'数字时代 (shùzì shídài)' means 'digital age'. '碎片化注意力 (suìpiànhuà zhùyìlì)' means 'fragmented attention'.
尽管面临巨大压力，她仍旧坚守岗位，争夺着扭转公司颓势的机会。
Despite immense pressure, she held her post, striving to contend for an opportunity to turn the company's decline around.
'扭转颓势 (niǔzhuǎn tuíshì)' means 'to turn around a decline'.
地缘政治格局的演变，往往伴随着各大国之间对全球资源和战略通道的争夺。
The evolution of the geopolitical landscape is often accompanied by the contention for global resources and strategic passageways among major powers.
'地缘政治格局 (dìyuán zhèngzhì géjú)' means 'geopolitical landscape'. '战略通道 (zhànlüè tōngdào)' means 'strategic passageways'.
在意识形态领域，历史叙事的重塑成为了争夺话语权和影响力的关键战场。
In the realm of ideology, the reshaping of historical narratives has become a crucial battlefield for contending for discourse power and influence.
'意识形态 (yìshí xíngtài)' means 'ideology'. '历史叙事 (lìshǐ xùshì)' means 'historical narrative'.
人类文明的发展进程，在很大程度上是不同文化和价值观之间持续争夺和融合的体现。
The developmental process of human civilization is, to a large extent, a manifestation of the continuous struggle and integration between different cultures and values.
'文明的发展进程 (wénmíng de fāzhǎn jìnchéng)' means 'developmental process of civilization'. '融合 (rónghé)' means 'integration'.
面对日益严峻的环境挑战，各国政府和企业正展开一场关于可持续发展模式的激烈争夺。
Facing increasingly severe environmental challenges, governments and corporations worldwide are engaged in a fierce struggle over sustainable development models.
'日益严峻 (rìyì yánjùn)' means 'increasingly severe'. '可持续发展模式 (kěchíxù fāzhǎn móshì)' means 'sustainable development model'.
在科技创新的前沿，全球顶尖实验室和研究机构正在争夺突破性技术的专利权。
At the forefront of technological innovation, top global laboratories and research institutions are contending for patents on breakthrough technologies.
'科技创新 (kējì chuàngxīn)' means 'technological innovation'. '突破性技术 (tūpò xìng jìshù)' means 'breakthrough technology'.
这场由资源枯竭引发的区域冲突，暴露了人类社会在争夺生存空间时所面临的根本性困境。
This regional conflict, triggered by resource depletion, exposes the fundamental dilemma faced by human society when contending for living space.
'资源枯竭 (zīyuán kūjié)' means 'resource depletion'. '生存空间 (shēngcún kōngjiān)' means 'living space'.
在艺术史的长卷中，无数的流派和风格在争夺着定义美的标准和审美话语权。
In the grand narrative of art history, countless schools and styles have contended for the standards of defining beauty and aesthetic discourse.
'艺术史 (yìshù shǐ)' means 'art history'. '审美话语权 (shěnměi huàyǔ quán)' means 'aesthetic discourse'.
面对全球性挑战，国际社会在争夺疫苗分配公平性和气候变化责任分担问题上，展现出复杂而微妙的博弈。
In the face of global challenges, the international community demonstrates a complex and subtle interplay in contending for vaccine distribution equity and climate change responsibility sharing.
'疫苗分配公平性 (yìmiáo fēnpèi gōngpíng xìng)' means 'vaccine distribution equity'. '责任分担 (zérèn fēndān)' means 'responsibility sharing'.
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
— Intense struggle or competition. It emphasizes the fierce nature of the contest.
两家公司正在进行激烈争夺，争夺市场主导地位。
— A battle or contest for something. It often implies a prolonged and difficult struggle.
这场关于稀缺资源的争夺战持续了数年。
— Under contention; being fought over. It describes the state of something being contested.
这块土地在两国争夺之下，局势非常紧张。
— To contend for... (a specific cause, goal, or item). It highlights the purpose of the struggle.
士兵们为国家而争夺。
— To vie for an advantage or superiority. It focuses on gaining an upper hand.
参赛者们争夺比赛的优势。
— To fight over territory or turf, often in a criminal or competitive context.
帮派之间争夺地盘，导致了暴力事件。
— To compete for attention, especially in crowded media environments.
社交媒体上的内容创作者都在争夺注意力。
— To vie for leadership or control.
党内争夺领导权的斗争十分激烈。
— To compete for resources, which can be natural, financial, or human.
在干旱地区，人们争夺资源以求生存。
— To strive for honor or glory, often in sports or competitions.
运动员们争夺荣誉，为国争光。
Often Confused With
争夺 implies a more intense, direct struggle for something limited, often with a sense of conflict, whereas 竞争 is a broader term for competition that can be less aggressive.
抢夺 means to snatch or grab, suggesting a sudden, forceful, and often illicit act. 争夺 is typically a more sustained contest or struggle.
争取 means to strive for or fight for something, often with a positive connotation of effort and aspiration towards a goal. 争夺 focuses more on the rivalry and the act of contending against others.
Idioms & Expressions
— Every inch of land must be fought for. This idiom emphasizes a fierce determination to defend or claim even the smallest piece of territory or advantage.
在这场战役中，士兵们寸土必争，绝不后退。
Formal/Literary— One vies with another; a state of contention and rivalry between multiple parties. It describes a continuous back-and-forth struggle.
在市场上，商人们你争我夺，都想卖出更多的商品。
Informal/Descriptive— A group without a leader; chaotic. While not directly using 争夺, it describes a situation that might arise from a failed struggle for leadership or control.
没有明确的领导者，这个项目陷入了群龙无首的境地。
Formal/Idiomatic— Open contention and hidden struggle; rivalry and conflict, both overt and covert.
在公司内部，同事之间存在着明争暗斗。
Common/Descriptive— To watch eagerly like a tiger; to covet something greedily. It describes the strong desire that fuels the struggle (争夺).
竞争对手虎视眈眈地盯着我们的市场份额。
Figurative/Descriptive— A fierce struggle between powerful rivals, like dragons and tigers fighting. It signifies a high-stakes, intense competition.
这场决赛真是龙争虎斗，精彩绝伦。
Figurative/Intense— After gaining one territory (Long), coveting another (Shu). It describes insatiable ambition and continuous struggle for more.
他刚获得晋升就想着更高的职位，真是得陇望蜀。
Idiomatic/Negative Connotation— Both sides suffer losses; mutual destruction. This can be the outcome of a fierce struggle (争夺).
如果他们继续争斗下去，很可能会两败俱伤。
Consequential/Negative— Each shows their special abilities; everyone does their best. This often happens during a period of contention (争夺).
在比赛中，选手们各显神通，争取胜利。
Descriptive/Positive Connotation— To sleep with one's weapon beside the pillow, waiting for dawn; to be in a state of constant readiness for battle or struggle.
边境的士兵们枕戈待旦，随时准备应对敌人的侵袭。
Figurative/Military ContextEasily Confused
Both words relate to striving for something, and 'compete' is a common translation for both.
竞争 refers to a general competition, which can be healthy or cooperative. 争夺 implies a more direct, often fierce struggle for a scarce resource or position where victory for one might mean defeat for another. Think of 竞争 as a race, and 争夺 as a fight for the finish line.
两家公司<strong>竞争</strong>激烈。(Two companies are <strong>competing</strong> fiercely.) vs. 两家公司<strong>争夺</strong>市场主导地位。(Two companies are <strong>contending</strong> for market dominance.)
Both involve taking or trying to get something.
抢夺 is about snatching or grabbing, often implying force or illegality. It's a quick, aggressive action. 争夺 is a more prolonged contest or struggle, often involving strategy and effort over time.
小偷<strong>抢夺</strong>了她的包。(The thief <strong>snatched</strong> her bag.) vs. 兄弟们<strong>争夺</strong>遗产。(The brothers are <strong>contending for</strong> the inheritance.)
Both involve active striving and getting something.
争抢 often describes an eager, hurried scramble for something available, like freebies or limited items. It's usually less intense and more about quick action. 争夺 is a more serious struggle, often involving rivalry and higher stakes.
大家<strong>争抢</strong>着吃最后一块蛋糕。(Everyone eagerly <strong>scrambled</strong> for the last piece of cake.) vs. 球队在<strong>争夺</strong>冠军。(The team is <strong>contending for</strong> the championship.)
Both involve effort to obtain something.
争取 means 'to strive for' or 'to fight for' a goal, often with a positive emphasis on effort and aspiration. It might not involve direct opposition from others. 争夺 specifically denotes contention against rivals for something limited or contested.
我们要<strong>争取</strong>实现目标。(We must <strong>strive for</strong> achieving our goals.) vs. 战士们<strong>争夺</strong>阵地。(The soldiers <strong>contend for</strong> the position.)
Both imply conflict and struggle.
争斗 refers to general conflict, strife, or fighting between individuals or groups, which can be broad and may not have a specific object of contention. 争夺 is more focused on contending for a particular resource, position, or prize.
部落之间发生了长期的<strong>争斗</strong>。(There was a long-term <strong>conflict</strong> between the tribes.) vs. 孩子们在<strong>争夺</strong>玩具。(The children are <strong>contending for</strong> toys.)
Sentence Patterns
Subject + 争夺 + Object
孩子们<strong>争夺</strong>玩具。
Subject + Adverb + 争夺 + Object
他们<strong>激烈地争夺</strong>冠军。
Subject + 正在 + 争夺 + Object
公司<strong>正在争夺</strong>市场份额。
Subject + 为 + Goal + 而 + 争夺
战士们<strong>为</strong>自由<strong>而争夺</strong>。
Object + 是 + Subject(s) + 争夺 + 的
这个职位是很多人<strong>争夺</strong>的。
Subject + 争夺 + Abstract Noun
艺术家们<strong>争夺</strong>灵感。
Subject + 极力/努力 + 争夺 + Object
他<strong>极力争夺</strong>那个晋升机会。
Contextual use implying a struggle for dominance/control
在<strong>争夺</strong>全球主导权方面，各国展开了较量。
Word Family
Verbs
Related
How to Use It
High
-
Using 争夺 for mild competition.
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Using 竞争 (jìngzhēng) or other milder terms.
Using 争夺 for situations that are merely competitive and not a significant struggle can sound overly dramatic or intense. For example, 'The two friends are competing for the best seats' is better as '两个朋友在<strong>竞争</strong>最好的座位' rather than 争夺.
-
Confusing 争夺 with 抢夺 (qiǎngduó).
→
Using 抢夺 for snatching/grabbing, and 争夺 for a contest/struggle.
抢夺 implies a sudden, forceful, and often illegal act of taking something. 争夺 implies a more sustained effort and rivalry. For example, 'He snatched the wallet' is '他<strong>抢夺</strong>了钱包', not 争夺.
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Incorrect object of contention.
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Ensuring the object of 争夺 is something valuable, limited, or highly desired by multiple parties.
You wouldn't say people 争夺 air; you might say they 竞争 for clean air. The object must be something that can realistically be contended for. For example, '学生们<strong>争夺</strong>知识' (Students contend for knowledge) is incorrect; '追求' (pursue) is better.
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Mispronouncing tones.
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Pronouncing zhēng with a high falling tone and duó with a mid rising tone.
Incorrect tones can change the meaning or make the word unrecognizable. Practicing the tones with audio resources is essential.
-
Using 争夺 when 争取 (zhēngqǔ) is more appropriate.
→
Using 争取 for striving towards a goal, and 争夺 for contending against rivals.
争取 means to strive for or fight for a goal, often positively. 争夺 implies contention against others for something limited. For example, 'We must <strong>strive for</strong> success' is '我们必须<strong>争取</strong>成功', not 争夺.
Tips
Intensity Matters
Remember that 争夺 signifies a strong struggle or contention, often more intense than simple competition. Use it when the stakes are high or the rivalry is fierce.
Verb-Object Structure
The basic structure is Subject + 争夺 + Object. Ensure you clearly identify what is being contended for (the object) to make your sentence complete and understandable.
Master the Tones
The tones are crucial in Chinese. Practice the high falling tone on 'zhēng' and the mid rising tone on 'duó' to ensure clear pronunciation and avoid misunderstandings.
Distinguish from Similar Words
Actively differentiate 争夺 from 竞争, 抢夺, and 争取. Understanding their subtle differences will significantly improve your accuracy and fluency.
Use Mnemonics
Create vivid mental images or stories involving struggle and contention to help you remember the meaning and usage of 争夺. Visualizing knights fighting over a crown or a tug-of-war can be effective.
Practice Writing Sentences
Write sentences describing various scenarios of competition, from sports to business to everyday life, using 争夺. Review your sentences to ensure they accurately reflect the intensity of the situation.
Listen for Usage
When listening to Chinese media (news, dramas, podcasts), actively listen for the word 争夺. Note the context and the surrounding vocabulary to understand how native speakers employ it.
Understand Cultural Nuances
Consider the cultural context. While competition exists globally, the way it's expressed and perceived can vary. 争夺 often reflects significant rivalries and struggles for status or resources.
Regular Review
Periodically review the meaning, usage, and example sentences of 争夺. Consistent reinforcement is key to internalizing new vocabulary and using it confidently.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine two knights (争) fiercely fighting (夺) over a golden crown. The 'zh' sound is like a sharp 'ch', and 'duo' sounds like 'woah, I want that!'
Visual Association
Picture a tug-of-war rope (争) being pulled violently in opposite directions (夺). Or visualize two hands (夺) grabbing for the same prize (争).
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe a recent sporting event or a political debate you've observed using the word 争夺. Focus on what was being contended for and the intensity of the struggle.
Word Origin
The word 争夺 is a compound word formed by combining two characters, 争 (zhēng) and 夺 (duó). Both characters carry meanings related to struggle and taking.
Original meaning: '争 (zhēng)' means to contend, to strive, to dispute, or to fight. '夺 (duó)' means to seize, to snatch, to take by force, or to capture.
Sino-TibetanCultural Context
While 争夺 is a common word, using it to describe very trivial matters might sound overly dramatic. It's best reserved for situations with genuine conflict or significant stakes.
In English-speaking cultures, similar concepts exist like 'contend for', 'vie for', 'struggle for', 'battle for', or 'fight for'. The intensity and context often dictate the best translation.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Sports Competitions
- 争夺冠军 (contend for championship)
- 争夺金牌 (contend for gold medal)
- 争夺领先 (contend for the lead)
Business and Economics
- 争夺市场份额 (contend for market share)
- 争夺客户 (contend for customers)
- 争夺资源 (contend for resources)
Politics and Power
- 争夺权力 (contend for power)
- 争夺选票 (contend for votes)
- 争夺控制权 (contend for control)
Personal Relationships/Family
- 争夺玩具 (contend for toys)
- 争夺零食 (contend for snacks)
- 争夺关注 (contend for attention)
International Relations/Geopolitics
- 争夺地盘 (contend for territory)
- 争夺战略要地 (contend for strategic locations)
- 争夺资源 (contend for resources)
Conversation Starters
"Have you ever witnessed a really intense competition? What were they contending for?"
"What kind of things do you think people most often contend for in modern society?"
"Can you think of a time when you had to strongly contend for something you wanted?"
"How is the word 'contend for' (争夺) different from simply 'competing' (竞争)?"
"What are some common scenarios where you might hear the word 争夺 used?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a time in your life when you or someone you know had to contend for something important. What was the situation, and what was the outcome?
Reflect on a historical event or a current news story where nations or groups are contending for resources or power. What are the implications?
Think about the difference between healthy competition and a fierce struggle. When does competition become 争夺?
Imagine you are a character in a story who needs to contend for a vital objective. Describe your plan and the challenges you expect to face.
Consider the concept of 'contending for attention' in today's world. How do people and media outlets do this, and what are the effects?
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe key difference lies in intensity and directness. 竞争 (jìngzhēng) is a general term for competition, which can be healthy or indirect. 争夺 (zhēngduó) implies a more direct, often fierce struggle for something limited, where there's a clear sense of rivalry and active vying against opponents. Think of 竞争 as participating in a race, while 争夺 is fighting to cross the finish line first against determined opponents.
Yes, 争夺 can be used for abstract concepts. For example, '争夺注意力' (zhēngduó zhùyìlì) means 'to contend for attention', and '争夺权力' (zhēngduó quánlì) means 'to contend for power'. In these cases, the 'thing' being fought over is intangible but still perceived as limited or highly desirable.
Not necessarily negative, but it implies a level of conflict and intensity. It's often used in serious contexts like political struggles or fierce competitions. While it can describe children fighting over a toy, the word itself carries a weight that might be considered overly dramatic for very minor disagreements. The context determines the connotation.
Common objects include: championships (冠军), market share (市场份额), resources (资源), power (权力), attention (注意力), positions (职位), territory (地盘), and even abstract goals like victory (胜利) or honor (荣誉).
Try creating sentences describing competitive situations you've seen or experienced. Compare it with 竞争 and other similar words to understand its specific nuance. Listen to native speakers in news or dramas and note how they use it.
抢夺 (qiǎngduó) means to snatch or grab, implying a sudden, forceful, and often illicit action. 争夺 (zhēngduó) is a more sustained struggle or contest for something. For example, a thief might 抢夺 a purse, while two companies might 争夺 market leadership.
Typically, 争夺 implies at least two parties contending for the same thing. It highlights the rivalry and the effort to overcome opposition. While you could theoretically 'contend for' something alone against circumstances, it's most commonly used when there are identifiable rivals.
It conveys a tone of intensity, seriousness, and often urgency. It suggests that the outcome is not guaranteed and significant effort is required to achieve the goal, often in the face of opposition.
Yes, it can be used in a positive context when describing the striving for noble goals or achievements, like athletes contending for a championship with great sportsmanship, or scientists contending for breakthroughs that benefit humanity. The intensity itself can be seen as a positive trait of determination.
The pronunciation is zhēng (high falling tone) duó (mid rising tone). The 'zh' is a retroflex sound. Practice listening to native speakers and mimicking the tones and sounds.
Test Yourself 10 questions
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Summary
争夺 (zhēngduó) signifies an active, often intense struggle or competition for something valuable that is in limited supply or highly desired by multiple parties. It goes beyond simple competition to imply a real effort to win or obtain something, often against rivals.
- Verb meaning to contend for, struggle for, or compete intensely.
- Implies rivalry for limited resources, positions, or prizes.
- Used in contexts of conflict, competition, and strong desire.
- More intense than 'compete'; implies active vying.
Intensity Matters
Remember that 争夺 signifies a strong struggle or contention, often more intense than simple competition. Use it when the stakes are high or the rivalry is fierce.
Verb-Object Structure
The basic structure is Subject + 争夺 + Object. Ensure you clearly identify what is being contended for (the object) to make your sentence complete and understandable.
Context is Key
Pay close attention to the context. Is it a battle for resources, a fight for a position, or a contest for a prize? The context will help you determine if 争夺 is the most appropriate verb.
Master the Tones
The tones are crucial in Chinese. Practice the high falling tone on 'zhēng' and the mid rising tone on 'duó' to ensure clear pronunciation and avoid misunderstandings.
Example
他们正在争夺市场份额。
Related Content
More work words
充裕的
B2Abundant, ample, or sufficient in quantity.
事故
A2accident; mishap
依照
A2According to; in accordance with.
准确地
A2accurately, precisely
做到
A2to achieve; to accomplish
积极地
A2actively; enthusiastically
应变
B2Adaptive; capable of dealing with emergencies.
行政
A2Administration; the management of affairs.
过后
A2Afterwards; at a later or subsequent time.
赞同
A2To approve of, to endorse; to agree with or support.
