Meaning
to challenge; to take on; to attempt; to strive
Nuance & Usage
挑戦する means to take on a challenge or attempt something difficult. It often implies courage and initiative. 新しいことに挑戦する (to try something new), 夢に挑戦する (to pursue one's dreams), 世界記録に挑戦する (to attempt a world record) are common expressions. The noun 挑戦 (chousen) means a challenge or attempt. 挑戦者 (choushensha) is a challenger. In Japanese motivational contexts, 挑戦 is frequently used in slogans and speeches to encourage bold action and risk-taking.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 挑戦する with 試みる (kokoromiru — to attempt/try, more neutral) or 試す (tamesu — to test/try out). 挑戦する has a more determined, courageous nuance — you're taking on a challenge, not just casually trying something. The particle used with 挑戦する is に: 〜に挑戦する (to challenge / take on ~). Don't say 挑戦をする with を for the challenge target — use に instead.
Example Sentences
来年は日本語能力試験N1に挑戦するつもりです。
らいねんはにほんごのうりょくしけんえぬいちにちょうせんするつもりです。
I plan to take on the JLPT N1 challenge next year.
失敗を恐れずに新しいことに挑戦し続けることが大切だ。
しっぱいをおそれずにあたらしいことにちょうせんしつづけることがたいせつだ。
It's important to keep challenging yourself with new things without fearing failure.
彼は世界最高峰に挑戦した初めての日本人登山家だ。
かれはせかいさいこうほうにちょうせんしたはじめてのにほんじんとざんかだ。
He was the first Japanese mountaineer to attempt the world's highest peak.
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