Translation guide
The English word "vying" describes competing or contending with others for something, often in a context of rivalry or striving. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various verbs and phrases that convey competition, rivalry, or striving, depending on the nuance.
To describe people or groups competing against each other to win or achieve something.
A general verb meaning 'to compete' or 'to vie'. It can be used for various types of competition, from sports to business.
彼らは賞を競っている。
They are vying for the prize.
二つの会社が市場シェアを競っている。
The two companies are vying for market share.
Means 'to compete' or 'to contend', often with a stronger sense of rivalry or conflict. It can imply a more aggressive competition.
選手たちは金メダルを争っている。
The athletes are vying for the gold medal.
An idiomatic phrase meaning 'to compete fiercely' or 'to vie intensely'. Literally 'to sharpen the blades', it conveys cutthroat competition.
各社が新技術の開発でしのぎを削っている。
Companies are vying fiercely in the development of new technology.
To describe situations where people or things are trying to be noticed or chosen among many.
Describes a crowd of people or things jostling or vying for something, often in a chaotic or competitive manner. It can be used metaphorically.
多くの候補者がそのポストを狙ってひしめき合っている。
Many candidates are vying for the position.
Often used in contexts like auctions or sports where competitors are closely matched and vying for victory. It implies a back-and-forth struggle.
Specifically for political elections or formal contests where candidates compete.
Means 'to run for office' or 'to stand as a candidate'. It directly implies vying for a political position.
彼は市長選に立候補している。
He is vying for mayor.
Also means 'to run for election', but slightly more formal and often used for higher offices.
彼女は大統領選に出馬する意向だ。
She intends to vie for the presidency.
While both mean 'to compete', 競う (kisou) is often used for friendly or neutral competition, whereas 争う (arasou) can imply conflict or dispute. For 'vying' in a business or sports context, 競う is safer. Use 争う when the competition is more aggressive or contentious.
There is no single Japanese word that perfectly matches 'vying' in all contexts. Avoid trying to translate it directly; instead, choose the expression that fits the specific type of competition.
Same as above, but can also be used for vying for attention or recognition in a competitive field.
人気俳優たちが主役の座を巡って鎬を削っている。
Popular actors are vying for the lead role.
Two buyers vied for the painting at the auction.