争相 (zhēngxiāng) means to compete to do something or to vie eagerly for something. It is often used in contexts where individuals or groups are striving to outperform one another, such as in competitions, sales, or attention-seeking behaviors. The term conveys a sense of urgency and enthusiasm in the pursuit of a goal.
HSK 7, 16 strokes, Hard
zhēngxiāng(zheng1xiang1) T1
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May 27, 2026
争相zhēngxiāng(zheng1xiang1)
争相 (zhēngxiāng) means to compete to do something or to vie eagerly for something. It is often used in contexts where individuals or groups are striving to outperform one another, such as in competitions, sales, or attention-seeking behaviors. The term conveys a sense of urgency and enthusiasm in the pursuit of a goal.
Strokes16Frequency#—DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 争相 often reflects the societal value placed on achievement and recognition, especially in business and education. This competitive spirit is evident during events like college entrance exams, where students and families strive for top marks.
Memory Tip
Imagine a race where everyone is trying to be the first to reach the finish line, all shouting '争 (zhēng)' as they go. The character 争 resembles a person reaching out, eager to grab the prize. The second character 相 (xiāng) suggests interaction, as competitors look at each other, heightening the competition.
About 争相
争相Simplified
16Strokes
—Radical
副词fùcíadverb (adv.)Part of Speech
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 争相
Podcast: 争相
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AI Study Notes for 争相
Quick Contrast
争抢 (zhēngqiǎng) implies a more physical or aggressive competition for something, while 争相 (zhēngxiāng) focuses on eager competition or vying for attention.
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a race where everyone is trying to be the first to reach the finish line, all shouting '争 (zhēng)' as they go. The character 争 resembles a person reaching out, eager to grab the prize. The second character 相 (xiāng) suggests interaction, as competitors look at each other, heightening the competition.
Usage Notes
Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing 争相, as incorrect tones can lead to misunderstandings. This phrase is primarily used in semi-formal to formal settings, often appearing in news articles or reports about market trends. Common collocations include 争相报道 (zhēngxiāng bàodào) - vying to report.
HSK Study Tips
At HSK Level 7, students should focus on understanding the nuances of competitive contexts presented by 争相. Relate this word to other HSK Level 7 vocabulary related to competition, such as 竞争 (jìngzhēng - competition) and 报道 (bàodào - report) to grasp its application in various scenarios.
Cultural Note
In Chinese culture, 争相 often reflects the societal value placed on achievement and recognition, especially in business and education. This competitive spirit is evident during events like college entrance exams, where students and families strive for top marks.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse 争相 with 争夺 (zhēngduó - to contend for), but 争相 focuses more on eagerness rather than just contention. A wrong example would be '他们争夺才能' (They are contending for talent), which should instead be '他们争相展示才能'.
AI-enhanced 2026-05-27
Pronunciation of 争相
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Cultural Notes for 争相
🏮Cultural insight
In Chinese culture, 争相 often reflects the societal value placed on achievement and recognition, especially in business and education. This competitive spirit is evident during events like college entrance exams, where students and families strive for top marks.
Frequently Asked Questions about 争相
You can say: '他们争相展示自己的才能。' (They are competing to showcase their talents.)
While both involve competition, 争相 emphasizes eagerness and enthusiasm, whereas 竞争 is a broader term for competition.
It's best suited for semi-formal or formal contexts; in informal situations, you might use simpler terms.
