斬新(ざんしん)

斬新(ざんしん) describes something strikingly new and original.

Forms

• 斬(ざん) (cut, slash) + 新(しん) (new)
• Literally: cutting new (as in cutting away the old)

Common collocations

• 斬新(ざんしん)なアイデア: innovative idea
• 斬新(ざんしん)なデザイン: novel design
• 斬新(ざんしん)な発想(はっそう): fresh thinking
• 斬新(ざんしん)さ: novelty, innovativeness

Usage

斬新(ざんしん) suggests not just newness but a bold break from convention. It has a positive connotation of creativity and impact.

Similar words

• 陳腐(ちんぷ): stale, clichéd