Japanese

きそう
Meaning: to compete; to rival; to vie
Part of Speech: Verb

Listen to pronunciation

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Verb inflections

Form Affirmative Negative
Present 競う 競わない
Polite 競います 競いません
Past 競った 競わなかった
Polite + Past 競いました 競いませんでした
Te-form 競って 競わなくて
Potential 競える 競えない
Passive 競われる 競われない
Causative 競わせる 競わせない
Causative + Passive 競わされる 競わされない
Imperative 競え 競うな

Handwriting

競
う

Example

The two runners competed for speed towards the goal.

Usage Notes

Often used when people or groups try to surpass each other in skill, speed, or quality.

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