夺魁

duókuí

to seize

HSK 7

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The word "夺魁" (duókuí) means to win first place or to become the champion in a competition or contest. It is often used in formal or written contexts to describe someone who has achieved the top position or highest honor.

Common Contexts

"夺魁" is commonly used in sports, academic competitions, exams, or any event where ranking and winning are involved. It emphasizes the act of seizing the top spot, often implying a competitive struggle.

Collocations and Patterns

  • 夺魁比赛 (duókuí bǐsài): championship competition
  • 夺魁 (duókuí zhě): the winner or champion
  • 夺魁成功 (duókuí chénggōng): successfully winning first place

These collocations highlight the competitive and victorious nature of the word.

Usage Notes

When using "夺魁," the focus is on the achievement of the highest rank. It is more formal and literary than simply saying "赢得第一" (win first place). Avoid using it in casual conversation where simpler terms like "" or "第一" might be more natural.

Common Confusion

Do not confuse "夺魁" with "夺冠" (duóguàn), which specifically means winning a championship title or crown. "夺魁" can be used more broadly for any first-place victory, not necessarily a championship.

Example Sentences

他在比赛中夺魁,赢得了冠军奖杯。

Tā zài bǐsài zhōng duókuí, yíngdéle guànjūn jiǎngbēi.

He won first place in the competition and received the championship trophy.

这次考试她再次夺魁,成绩非常优秀。

Zhè cì kǎoshì tā zàicì duókuí, chéngjī fēicháng yōuxiù.

She topped the exam again this time with excellent results.

运动员们都希望能在比赛中夺魁,获得荣誉。

Yùndòngyuán men dōu xīwàng néng zài bǐsài zhōng duókuí, huòdé róngyù.

Athletes all hope to win first place in the competition and gain honor.