熱戦(ねっせん)

A compound of 熱(ねつ) (heat, passion) and 戦(せん) (battle, match), describing a contest that is exciting, closely fought, and full of passionate effort from both sides. Primarily used in sports and competitive contexts.

Usage

• Most commonly appears in sports reporting and commentary
• Implies both sides are evenly matched and giving their all
• 熱戦(ねっせん)を繰(く)り広(ひろ)げる is the most characteristic collocation

Common collocations

• 熱戦(ねっせん)を繰(く)り広(ひろ)げる: to fight a fierce match
• 手(て)に汗(あせ)握(にぎ)る熱戦(ねっせん): a nail-biting contest
• 熱戦(ねっせん)の末(すえ): after a fierce battle
• 熱戦(ねっせん)が展開(てんかい)される: a heated contest unfolds

Similar words

• 激戦(げきせん): fierce battle — can be used for actual warfare as well as sports; emphasizes intensity
• 接戦(せっせん): close game — emphasizes the narrow margin rather than the excitement
• 好(こう)勝負(しょうぶ): good match — similar meaning but focuses on the quality of competition
• 死闘(しとう): fight to the death — much more dramatic and extreme