Definitions

jìng (verb) to compete; to contend

Etymology

Simplified form of . Pictograph of two people side-by-side competing with each other.

About

The character "竞" is the simplified form of "競", which in its traditional structure features two "竟" components placed side by side, derived from the concept of mutual contention or rivalry. The element "竟" on its own carries the meaning of to finish or reach a limit, but when duplicated it emphasizes a competitive interaction between entities. The simplified form "竞" structurally condenses this into the components "立" and "兄", a reduction that serves as a graphic abbreviation without etymological connection to the original duplication. Historically, the character has consistently denoted competition, though its application has widened from specific references to verbal debates or contests to encompass a broad range of competitive activities.

Etymology Hide

Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Oracle etymology image
Oracle (~1250-1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Early Western Zhou (~1000 BC)
Bronze etymology image
Bronze Late Western Zhou (~800 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Chu (Warring States: 475-221 BC)
Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Western Han dynasty (202 BC-9 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Wu (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern

Example Sentences Hide

我喜欢参加赛。

Wǒ xǐhuān cānjiā jìngsài.

I like to participate in contests.

他们争得很激烈。

Tāmen jìngzhēng de hěn jīliè.

They compete very fiercely.

走是一项奥运项目。

Jìngzǒu shì yī xiàng àoyùn xiàngmù.

Race walking is an Olympic event.

公司之间的争促进了创新。

Gōngsī zhī jiān de jìngzhēng cùjìnle chuàngxīn.

Competition between companies promotes innovation.

在激烈的市场争中,企业必须不断改进。

Zài jīliè de shìchǎng jìngzhēng zhōng, qǐyè bìxū bùduàn gǎijìn.

In the fierce market competition, enterprises must continuously improve.

标过程需要严格遵守规定。

Jìngbiāo guòchéng xūyào yángé zūnshǒu guīdìng.

The bidding process requires strict adherence to regulations.

生物进化中的争是自然选择的核心。

Shēngwù jìnhuà zhōng de jìngzhēng shì zìrán xuǎnzé de héxīn.

Competition in biological evolution is the core of natural selection.

在全球经济合背景下,各国需加强合作。

Zài quánqiú jīngjì jìnghé bèijǐng xià, gè guó xū jiāqiáng hézuò.

Under the background of global economic competition and cooperation, countries need to strengthen cooperation.