チャレンジ

ちゃれんじ
noun, verb (suru)
challenge, attempt
1. challenge, attempt, try
An attempt to take on something difficult or new. In Japanese, the emphasis is on the positive act of trying, rather than the confrontational sense of the English word "challenge."
(あたら)しいことにチャレンジする。
To try something new.
(はじ)めてマラソンにチャレンジした。
I attempted a marathon for the first time.
失敗(しっぱい)しても何度(なんど)でもチャレンジすることが大切(たいせつ)だ。
It's important to keep trying no matter how many times you fail.

MEANING SHIFT:
In English, "challenge" often implies confrontation or difficulty. In Japanese, チャレンジ carries a strongly positive connotation of bravely attempting something new or difficult. It is closer in meaning to "attempt" or "try" than to "confront."

GRAMMAR:
Used with する or に: チャレンジする (to take on a challenge), 〜にチャレンジする (to attempt/try ~).

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • (あたら)しいことにチャレンジする: to try something new
  • チャレンジ精神(せいしん): spirit of challenge/adventure
  • チャレンジする価値(かち)がある: worth trying
  • 何度(なんど)もチャレンジする: to try again and again