挑戦
chōsen[t͡ɕo̞ːsẽ̞ɴ]
To dare or challenge in Japanese is 挑戦, known as chōsen.
挑戦 is a noun that refers to the act of a challenge or a dare. In practice, it is often used in the context of taking on a new endeavor or a difficult task rather than being used for a direct provocation between people.
Meaning: to defy or challenge (verb)
Which one should you use?
The phrase 挑戦する often implies a positive attempt at a difficult goal. In contrast, the verb 挑む is used when someone is more directly defying or confronting an opponent or a specific obstacle.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun 挑戦 becomes a verb by adding the verb する to create 挑戦する.
How do you pronounce it?
chōsen
Did you know?
- The word 挑戦 shares its characters with the name of the Korean peninsula, 朝鮮. While they sound the same, the first character differs slightly in meaning, shifting from 'morning' to 'challenge'.
- If you want to say someone 'dares' to do something in a sense of being 'audacious' or 'impudent', you would use 図々しい (zuuzuushii) instead of a word related to 'challenge'.
- While 挑戦 means to dare a task, the phrase 挑戦状 (chōsenjō) refers specifically to a 'letter of challenge', such as one sent in a formal duel or a high-stakes sports match.
Examples in context
- Dare? (誰？)Who?
- 新しい技術に挑戦したいです。Atarashii gijutsu ni chousen shitai desu.I want to challenge myself with new technology.
- 限界に挑戦するのは難しい。Genkai ni chousen suru no wa muzukashii.It is difficult to challenge one's limits.
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are talking about a difficult mountain climbing route.
- 陽太 Yotaこのルートに挑戦してみる？Kono ruuto ni chousen shite miru?Do you want to try challenging this route?
- 美咲 Misaki少し怖いけど、やってみたい！Sukoshi kowai kedo, yatte mitai!It's a bit scary, but I want to try!
- 陽太 Yota美咲ならきっとできるよ。Misaki nara kitto dekiru yo.I'm sure you can do it, Misaki.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとう、陽太くん。Arigatou, Yota-kun.Thank you, Yota.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 挑戦, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
