真(ま)っ向(こう)勝 負(しょうぶ)

まっこうしょうぶ

noun

head-on contest; direct confrontation

colloquialaction

1. head-on contest; direct confrontation; fair and square fight

A straightforward, direct contest without tricks, evasion, or indirect tactics. Implies facing a challenge or opponent head-on with full force and sincerity.

真(ま)っ向(こう)勝負(しょうぶ)を挑(いど)む。

To challenge someone to a head-on contest.

小細工(こざいく)なしの真(ま)っ向(こう)勝負(しょうぶ)で勝(か)ちたい。

I want to win in a fair, head-on fight without tricks.

若手(わかて)ピッチャーが強打者(きょうだしゃ)に真(ま)っ向(こう)勝負(しょうぶ)を挑(いど)み、三振(さんしん)に打(う)ち取(と)った。

The young pitcher challenged the slugger head-on and struck him out.

Composed of 真(ま)っ向(こう) (head-on, directly facing) and 勝負(しょうぶ) (contest, match). Often used in sports, especially baseball, where a pitcher throws strikes directly rather than using balls to walk a dangerous batter.

Common collocations

真(ま)っ向(こう)勝負(しょうぶ)を挑(いど)む (to challenge to a head-on fight)
真(ま)っ向(こう)勝負(しょうぶ)で戦(たたか)う (to fight head-on)
正々堂々(せいせいどうどう)と真(ま)っ向(こう)勝負(しょうぶ) (fair and square head-on contest)

Similar words

真(ま)っ向(こう)勝負(しょうぶ): head-on, straightforward contest
直接対決(ちょくせつたいけつ): direct confrontation (neutral, factual)
一騎打(いっきう)ち: one-on-one duel (emphasis on the matchup)

Related Words

Compare: 一騎打(いっきう)ち (one-on-one duel)

general

Added 2026.3.7 20:21 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01

15500/15583_makkoushoubu