Translation guide
To compete or struggle in order to win or achieve something. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for vying for a prize, position, title, or opportunity.
Expressing that someone is competing to win something like a championship, award, or election.
A versatile pattern meaning 'to compete for' or 'to contend for'. Used for prizes, titles, positions, etc.
両チームが優勝を争っている。
Both teams are contending for the championship.
Many candidates contended for the presidency.
Similar to 争う but often implies a more direct, sometimes friendly rivalry. Common in sports and competitions.
選手たちは金メダルを競っている。
The athletes are contending for the gold medal.
Literally 'fight for ~'. Emphasizes the struggle or battle aspect. Used for high-stakes contests.
彼らは世界チャンピオンのタイトルをかけて戦っている。
They are contending for the world champion title.
Expressing that multiple people are trying to get a job, role, or limited opportunity.
Same pattern as above, but used for positions, seats, or opportunities.
多くの学生がその奨学金を争っている。
Many students are contending for the scholarship.
Adds nuance of 'over' or 'concerning', often used when there is a dispute or competition for something specific.
数社がその契約を巡って争っている。
Several companies are contending for the contract.
Means 'to aim for' or 'to go after'. Less confrontational than 争う, often used when someone is trying to get a position or opportunity.
彼は社長の座を狙っている。
He is contending for the position of company president.
Expressing that someone is fighting or striving for an ideal, right, or abstract concept.
Used for fighting for a cause, rights, justice, etc. Emphasizes the struggle.
彼らは自由のために戦っている。
They are contending for freedom.
Literally 'compete seeking ~'. Used when the goal is something desired or sought after.
人々は正義を求めて争った。
The people contended for justice.
争う (arasou) implies a more serious, sometimes hostile competition, while 競う (kisou) often suggests a sporting or friendly rivalry. 争う can also mean 'to dispute' or 'to quarrel'.
彼らは遺産を争っている。
They are disputing over the inheritance.
There is no single Japanese verb that directly translates 'contend for'. Use the patterns above with appropriate nouns. Do not try to use 主張する (shuchō suru, 'to assert') for this meaning.