These three characters combine to create a very direct and potent term: the power (力) to engage in competition (竞争).
In modern China, 竞争力 (jìngzhēnglì) is more than just a business buzzword; it's a pervasive social concept that shapes lives from a very young age. It reflects the intense, high-pressure environment of a nation undergoing rapid development. A useful comparison is to the Western concept of a “competitive edge.” While similar, 竞争力 carries a much broader and more profound societal weight in China. In the West, a “competitive edge” is often a strategic advantage sought by businesses or ambitious individuals. In China, 竞争力 is seen as a fundamental requirement for survival and success in nearly every domain:
This relentless focus on 竞争力 is a direct product of China's post-reform era, marking a shift from collectivist security to a more market-driven reality where individuals and companies must constantly prove their worth. It is the engine of both incredible innovation and significant personal stress.
竞争力 is a slightly formal but extremely common noun used in a variety of serious contexts. It's always used to measure an entity's ability to succeed against rivals. In Business Companies constantly analyze their 核心竞争力 (héxīn jìngzhēnglì), or “core competitiveness.” A manager might ask, “What is our main competitive advantage in this market?” (我们在这个市场上的主要竞争力是什么？). In Personal Development A young professional might say they are taking an English course to “increase their personal competitiveness” (提高个人竞争力). It's tied directly to employability and career advancement. In Technology and Economics News reports and academic papers will frequently discuss a city's or a country's 竞争力. For example, you might read a headline like, “Shenzhen's Technological Competitiveness Ranks First in the Nation.” The connotation is almost always neutral-to-positive. Having high 竞争力 is a desirable state, while lacking it is a problem that needs to be urgently addressed.
English speakers often want to say “a competitive price” and incorrectly translate it as “一个竞争力价格.” 竞争力 is a noun, not an adjective.