How to say "contend" in Japanese

• 争うあらそうJLPT N2approx.Common
  godan verb, intransitive verbCovers 'contend' in the sense of struggling against an opponent — fighting over victory, a prize, or a point at issue. The nuance is adversarial: think of contending for a championship or contesting a decision.
  １０チームが賞しょうを得えようと争あらそった。↗

  Ten teams competed for the prize.
• 競うきそうCommon
  godan verb, intransitive verbCovers 'contend' as vying with others to outdo them — competing in ability, speed, or performance rather than fighting. Picture rivals contending for a title or the top spot.
  そして各かくチームはボールを蹴けってこの穴あなに通とおそうと互たがいに競い合きそいあったのです。↗

  And the teams competed with each other to try to kick the ball through this hole.

Both render 'contend' when it means competing against rivals: pick 「争う」 for a struggle with an adversarial edge — fighting over victory or a disputed point — and 「競う」 for rivals simply vying to outdo each other.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 争うあらそうto compete
• 競うきそうto compete
• 戦わすたたかわすto compete
• 論じ合うろんじあうto debate
• 戦うたたかうto struggle (against adversities, etc.)