競: the kanji for compete
競 is a JLPT N2 kanji that means compete. Below are its readings, 8 common words and example sentences, all with audio.
Stroke order
競 is written in 20 strokes. The red stroke is the one to write next, and the dot shows where it starts.
Words by reading
競 has 4 readings in the official Jōyō Kanji Table. Below are 8 common words grouped by reading. Tap ▶ to hear each word (audio plays with a free account).
キョウ (kyou)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 競争きょうそう · kyōsō | competition |
| 競技きょうぎ · kyōgi | sporting event |
| 競走きょうそう · kyōsō | race |
ケイ (kei)
On reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 競馬けいば · keiba | horse racing |
| 競輪けいりん · keirin | bicycle racing |
きそう (kisou)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 競うきそう · kisou | to compete |
せる (seru)
Kun reading.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 競るせる · seru | to compete closely; to bid |
| 競りせり · seri | auction |
Example sentences for work and daily life
- この業界は競争が激しい。Kono gyōkai wa kyōsō ga hageshii.Competition in this industry is fierce.
- 選手たちは速さを競った。Senshu-tachi wa hayasa o kisotta.The athletes competed for speed.
- 朝早く市場で魚の競りを見た。Asa hayaku ichiba de sakana no seri o mita.Early in the morning, I watched a fish auction at the market.
- 運動会で百メートル競走に出た。Undōkai de hyaku mētoru kyōsō ni deta.I ran in the 100-meter race at the sports day.
- 試合は最後まで競っていた。Shiai wa saigo made sette ita.The game was close right up to the end.
Questions about 競
How many strokes does 競 have?
競 is written in 20 strokes. The stroke order is shown at the top of this page.
What are the readings of 競?
The on readings are kyou (キョウ), kei (ケイ). The kun readings are kisou (きそう), seru (せる).
What JLPT level is 競?
N2. The JLPT does not publish official kanji lists, so this level is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used through 2009.
About the JLPT level
The JLPT does not publish official lists of kanji for each level. The level on this page is a guide based on the official Test Content Specifications used for the test through 2009. The JLPT states that the current N2 is designed to match the former Level 2.
More JLPT N2 kanji
Government, rules and society
Executive Japanese by CCN is one-on-one online Japanese for managers and directors doing business in Japan.
Sources
- Jōyō Kanji Table (常用漢字表), Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, 2010: readings and special readings of 競
- JLPT Frequently Asked Questions, The Japan Foundation and Japan Educational Exchanges and Services: how current levels match the former levels
- Stroke order diagrams are based on KanjiVG by Ulrich Apel, used under CC BY-SA 3.0. The diagrams on this page are shared under the same license.