Kilpailla

Kilpailla is a Finnish verb meaning to compete or to race. It is used when individuals or groups take part in a contest or strive to achieve a superior position relative to others. The term covers athletic competitions as well as competitive situations in business, politics, or other fields. The related noun forms include kilpailu (competition) and kilpailija (competitor), showing a common root kilpa- that denotes contest or rivalry.

Etymology and related forms: Kilpailla is formed from the root kilpa-, which appears in words such as kilpailu and kilpailija. The verb participates in standard Finnish conjugation patterns, with present tense forms like kilpailee (he/she/it competes) and kilpailevat (they compete). The act of competing can also be expressed as kilpaileminen (the act of competing).

Usage notes: Kilpaileminen is often intransitive and can take various complements to indicate the arena or opponents of the contest. Common phrases include kilpailla jonkun kanssa (to compete with someone) and kilpailla markkinoilla or kilpailla vastaan (to compete in the markets; to compete against). In sentences, kilpailla is widely used across sports, business, and other competitive contexts.

Examples:

- Hiihtäjät kilpailevat olympialaisissa. The skiers compete in the Olympic Games.

- Yritykset kilpailevat markkinoilla toisiaan vastaan. The companies compete in the markets against each other.

- Hän kilpailee minua vastaan. He competes against me.

See also: kilpailu, kilpailija, kilpailuttaminen.