Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Competition'

English Word: competition

Key Russian Translations:

• конкуренция [kənkʊˈrʲentsɪjə] - [Formal, Business Context]
• соревнование [sərʲɪvˈnovənɪjə] - [General, Sports/Events Context]

Frequency: High (both translations are commonly used depending on context)

Difficulty: B1 (Intermediate) for both translations

Pronunciation (Russian):

конкуренция: [kənkʊˈrʲentsɪjə]

Note on конкуренция: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "р" sound is rolled slightly.

соревнование: [sərʲɪvˈnovənɪjə]

Note on соревнование: Stress on the third syllable. The "в" sounds like a soft English "v".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Rivalry in Business or Market

Translation(s) & Context:

• конкуренция - Used in economic or business contexts to describe rivalry between companies or entities.

Usage Examples:

• Конкуренция на рынке технологий очень высокая.

  Competition in the technology market is very high.

• Мы должны улучшить продукт, чтобы выдержать конкуренцию.

  We need to improve our product to withstand the competition.

• Конкуренция между фирмами способствует инновациям.

  Competition between companies fosters innovation.

2. Contest or Event with Participants

Translation(s) & Context:

• соревнование - Refers to a contest, race, or event where participants compete, often in sports or academics.

Usage Examples:

• На соревновании по плаванию он занял первое место.

  He took first place in the swimming competition.

• Дети готовятся к школьному соревнованию по математике.

  The children are preparing for a school math competition.

• Соревнование было очень напряжённым до самого конца.

  The competition was very intense until the very end.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

конкуренция (feminine noun): Follows the standard declension for feminine nouns ending in -ия.

соревнование (neuter noun): Follows the standard declension for neuter nouns ending in -ие.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for конкуренция:

• соперничество (rivalry, often with a personal tone)
• борьба (struggle, broader context)

Synonyms for соревнование:

• конкурс (contest, often for specific events)
• турнир (tournament, sports or games)

Antonyms:

• сотрудничество (cooperation, for both translations)

Related Phrases:

• жестокая конкуренция - fierce competition (business context)
• спортивное соревнование - sports competition (event context)
• выдержать конкуренцию - to withstand competition (business resilience)

Usage Notes:

• The choice between "конкуренция" and "соревнование" depends heavily on context. Use "конкуренция" for abstract or business rivalry and "соревнование" for tangible contests or events.
• "Конкуренция" is rarely used in plural form, while "соревнование" often appears in plural when referring to multiple events.
• Be mindful of collocations; for example, "конкуренция на рынке" (competition in the market) is a fixed phrase.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "конкуренция" for a sports event. Incorrect: "Конкуренция по футболу". Correct: "Соревнование по футболу" (Football competition).
• Error: Misusing cases after prepositions. Incorrect: "На конкуренцию". Correct: "В условиях конкуренции" (Under conditions of competition).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "соревнование" often carries a positive connotation, especially in educational or sports settings, as it is associated with personal growth and achievement. On the other hand, "конкуренция" might sometimes imply negative aspects of rivalry, such as cutthroat business practices, depending on the context.

Related Concepts:

• победа (victory)
• проигрыш (loss)
• рынок (market)