How to say "rivalry" in Japanese

• 競争きょうそうJLPT N4approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbThe broadest and most neutral choice: rivalry as the general activity of competing, whether in business, sport, or exams. It stresses the contest itself rather than a personal relationship between rivals.
  十じゅう中ちゅう八九はちきゅう、彼かれが競争きょうそうに勝かつでしょう。↗

  In nine cases out of ten, he will win the race.
• 対抗たいこうJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbRivalry as opposition: pitting yourself against a rival and trying to match or beat them. It highlights the act of standing up to an opponent rather than the ongoing contest itself.
  ためらうことなく、その陰謀いんぼうにたいする徹底てっていした対抗たいこう処置しょちをとった。↗

  Without a moment's hesitation, they took drastic action against the conspiracy.
• 拮抗きっこうCommon
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbRivalry specifically between two equally strong sides: neither party clearly dominates, and both keep vying for supremacy. Natural for two evenly matched companies, teams, or factions contending for the top spot.
• 競合きょうごうCommon
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbRivalry as contention between parties chasing the same prize or position, so their claims or interests collide. It can shade into quarreling, but the core image is two sides contending over the same thing.
  すべての競合きょうごう会社かいしゃがパイの分け前わけまえを得えようとしています。↗

  All the competitors are trying to get their piece of the pie.
• 抗争こうそうJLPT N1approx.Common
  noun, suru verb, intransitive verbRivalry that has escalated into open conflict: a feud or prolonged struggle between opposing sides. Choose it when the relationship is hostile and the contest involves real strife rather than friendly competition.
  新聞しんぶんは２党とう間かんの抗争こうそうを報ほうじた。↗

  The newspaper reported friction between the two parties.

Use 競争 for rivalry as general competition, 対抗 for pitting yourself against an opponent, 拮抗 for two evenly matched sides, 競合 for contention over the same prize, and 抗争 for rivalry turned into open conflict.

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

• 競争きょうそうcompetition
• 対抗たいこうopposition
• 拮抗きっこうrivalry (between two equally strong sides)
• 競合きょうごうcontention
• 抗争こうそうrivalry
• 相克そうこくrivalry (between two irreconcilable forces)
• 張り合いはりあいcompetition
• 競いきそいcompetition
• 励み合いはげみあいcompetition
• 角逐かくちくcompetition
• 競合関係きょうごうかんけいcompetitive relationship
• 対抗意識たいこういしき(sense of) rivalry
• 争いあらそいcompetition